Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, hosted the fifth Asiad.

The entire region was in turmoil. The Vietnam war raged with no end in sight; relations between China and Taiwan were strained, and the two Korea's were on a red alert.

Cambodia tried to challenge the Asian Games movement by organizing "The Games of New Emerging Forces" just before the Games.

However, the enthusiasm of the sports-loving Thais and generous efforts of the Asian Games Federation and the local organizing committee ensured that the Games were conducted with great success.

Israel and Taiwan, who didn't participate in the fourth event were welcomed back to the fold, and Korea made its strong presence with a 275-member contingent, entering all the disciplines.

The Games will always been remembered by India as the venue for its first gold medal in hockey. They defeated Pakistan in the final by a solitary goal.