The ninth Asiad saw the competing countries/NOCs grow three-fold and participants nine times. There was a drastic change in the race for medals. Although the total amount of medals won were the same, China beat Japan in the gold medal haul. Also, it was the last Asiad to be held under the authority of the Asian Games Federation; the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) took over the responsibility.

The OCA was established and took control of the Games.

Handball, equestrian sports, rowing and golf were played for the first time in the Games' history. Fencing and bowling were not included in the 21 events.

China finally broke Japan's domination at the Games. Japan had finished on top of the medals table in the eight previous editions.