1974 Asian Games

The 7th Asian Games (Persian: بازی‌های آسیایی VII), also known as Tehran 1974 (Persian: تهران ۱۹۷۴), were held from 1 to 16 September 1974 in Tehran, Iran. The Aryamehr Sports Complex was built for the Games. This marked the first time the Asian Games were hosted in the Middle East. Tehran, the capital of Iran, played host to 3,010 athletes coming from 25 countries/NOCs, the highest number of participants since the inception of the Games.

Fencing, gymnastics and women's basketball were added to the existing disciplines. The games were known for the use of state-of-the-art technology, from synthetic track to photo-finish cameras.

Starting in 1962, the Games were hit by several crises. First, the host country Indonesia, refused to permit the participation of Israel and the Republic of China (Taiwan) due to political and religious issues. As a result, the IOC removed its sponsorship of the Games and terminated Indonesia as one of the IOC members. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), also removed their recognition of the Games.

In 1970, South Korea dropped its plan to host the Games due to a national security crisis; however, the main reason was the financial crisis, forcing the previous host Thailand to administer the Games again in Bangkok using funds transferred from South Korea. Prior to the Games, Japan was asked to host, but declined due to Expo '70 in Osaka. This edition also marked the first time the Games were broadcast on television throughout the world.

Athletics was one of the most popular disciplines of these games. Reza Entezari, an Iranian runner, won silver medals in the 400 meters and 800 meters competitions, as well as bronze in the 4 x 400 metres relay.

On 11 and 12 January 1968, a meeting was organised in Bangkok, involving the representatives of nine Asian National Olympic Committees. The framework of the meeting was set up in another meeting held on 1 September 1970 during the first Bangkok Asian Games. Tehran was selected as host city after defeating Kuwait City and Tel Aviv.

The responsibility of organising the Seventh Asian Games was assigned to a special committee headed by Amir Abbas Hoveida, then Prime Minister of Iran.

The main venues for the 1974 Asian Games was inside the multi-purpose sport complex– Aryamehr Sports Complex.