As in 1970, Bangkok once again stepped in to save the noble cause after both Singapore and Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, had to pull out as hosts for the eighth Asiad due to political and financial reasons.

It was agreed that in order to save the Asiad, participating countries/NOCs would share the cost of organisation. The exclusion of Israel and Taiwan drew hostile reactions from international sports organizations.

China returned to competition with astonishing success, bagging 151 medals and closing in on Japan. South Korea, North Korea and Thailand showed their strength, but it was evident to many that Japanese supremacy was coming to an end.