For more than two decades, Palestine has continued to participate in the Asian Games. During this journey, the number of Palestinian athletes has gradually increased, while participation has expanded to include a wider range of sports. Palestine has also achieved several notable results. From Bangkok in 1998 to Hangzhou in 2023, Palestinian athletes have continued to represent their country at the continental event, aiming to achieve results that reflect the development of Palestinian sport.

Bangkok 1998 marked Palestine’s first participation in the history of the Asian Games. The Palestinian delegation included 32 athletes competing in four sports: boxing, judo, karate and taekwondo. This marked Palestine’s official debut at the continental sporting event.

At Busan 2002, the number of participants increased to 52 athletes competing in nine sports. The Games also saw Palestine win its first-ever Asian Games medal, when boxer Munir Abu Kishk won the bronze medal.

At Doha 2006, Palestinian participation grew significantly, with the delegation reaching 131 athletes. The participation continued at Guangzhou 2010, where the delegation included around 68 athletes, coaches and administrators.

At Incheon 2014, Palestine participated with 58 athletes. At Jakarta–Palembang 2018, participation increased again, with around 70 male and female athletes competing in 13 individual and team sports. The total delegation, including athletes, coaches and administrators, exceeded 100 people. This reflected the growing diversity of Palestinian participation across different sports and disciplines.

At Hangzhou 2022, which was held in China in 2023, Palestine participated with 70 athletes in 15 sports. The highlight of the participation came when karate athlete Hala Al-Qadi won the bronze medal.

From Bangkok to Hangzhou, Palestine’s participation in the Asian Games has shown steady progress, with more athletes, a wider range of sports and several notable achievements. As Palestine prepares for its next participation in the Asian Games, which will be held in Japan, Palestinian sport hopes to continue its presence at the continental level, build on previous achievements, and achieve new results while strengthening Palestine’s presence in Asian sport despite the various challenges and circumstances.