Date: 09-20 December 1978
Host City: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
NOCs Participating: 19
Athletes: 3,842
Sports: 19
Disciplines: 20
Events: 201

As in the crisis of 1970, Bangkok once again stepped in to save the noble cause after both Singapore and Islamabad (Islamic Republic of Pakistan) had to pull out as host for the 8th Asiad due to political and financial reasons.

For the Kingdom of Thailand, it became her 3rd Asiad as host in a span of 12 years. It was agreed that in order to save the Asiad, participating countries/NOCs share the cost of organizing the Games. Also, the exclusion of Israel and Taiwan drew hostile reactions from international sports organizations.

The Games featured 19 sports and drew 2,879 participants from 25 countries/NOCs. In medal tally, China returned to the Games with astonishing gusto, bagging 51 golds and closing in on Japan with 70. Korea, DPRK and Thailand showed their strength, but it was evident for many that Japanese supremacy was coming to an end. 

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