Gymnastics has been a core sport in the Asian Games since its introduction at the 7th Asian Games in Tehran, Iran, in 1974. The competition is governed by the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) under the auspices of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Disciplines The program currently comprises three disciplines:
- Artistic Gymnastics: Contested by both men and women since 1974. Men compete in six apparatuses (floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, horizontal bar), while women compete in four (vault, uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise). Events include team, individual all-around, and individual apparatus finals.
- Rhythmic Gymnastics: Introduced for women at the 11th Asian Games in Beijing, China, in 1990. Events include individual all-around, team, and group competitions.
- Trampoline Gymnastics: Added to the program at the 14th Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, in 2002. Events include individual and, occasionally, team or synchronized competitions for men and women.
Historical Development
- 1974 (Tehran): Artistic gymnastics debuted with men's and women's team and individual events.
- 1990 (Beijing): Rhythmic gymnastics added.
- 2002 (Busan): Trampoline gymnastics added.
- 2018 (Jakarta-Palembang): The program featured 14 gold medals (Artistic: 8 men, 6 women; Rhythmic: 2; Trampoline: 2).
- 2022 (Hangzhou, held 2023): The program expanded to 18 gold medals with the addition of men's and women's trampoline team events and rhythmic group all-around.
Dominant Nations Historically, China has been the most dominant nation across all three disciplines, consistently topping the gymnastics medal table. Japan and South Korea are traditional powerhouses, particularly in men's and women's artistic gymnastics. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have emerged as strong contenders in rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics in recent editions.
Competition Format The competition typically follows the Code of Points established by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). The team competition often serves as the qualification round for the individual all-around and apparatus finals. Participation is limited to member nations of the OCA.
