2003 Afro-Asian Games

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The 2003 Afro-Asian Games, also known as the First Afro-Asian Games, were held in Hyderabad, India, from October 24 to November 1, 2003 (football and hockey began on October 22–23). About 2,040 athletes from 96 countries competed in 131 events across eight sports, making it one of the largest multi-sport events ever held in Hyderabad and a major stage for India.

Participating nations came from Asia and Africa—43 Asian and 53 African countries—together forming 96 nations, with around 1,565 official representatives from 120 countries. The event featured eight sports and 75 men’s events, 55 women’s events, plus one mixed event. Only one new world record was set during the Games.

The logo showed Hyderabad’s Charminar surrounded by a string of pearls, and the mascot was Sheroo, a lion. The motto was “Two Continents, One Spirit” and the theme song was “Come Together To Celebrate Afro-Asian Games.” The main venue was the Gachibowli Athletic Stadium. There was no dedicated Games Village; athletes stayed in hotels booked for the event.

The Games were long-awaited and had been delayed many times before finally taking place in Hyderabad, after Delhi pulled out as a host. The Indian government spent about ₹1.03 billion (around US$23 million) on the event. An Afro-Asian Games Secretariat and 17 organizing sub-committees managed preparations, employing modern systems to handle venues and results.

Opening ceremonies were impressive, with about 30,000 spectators. Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani opened the Games, and athlete Anjali Bhagwat took the Athlete’s Oath. The closing ceremony, led by President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, celebrated the friendship between Asian and African athletes and featured fireworks, performances, and tributes.

China won the most gold medals, while India topped the total medal count with 80 medals. The Games boosted Hyderabad’s profile, tourism, and local businesses, including the pearl and jewelry trade. The event also helped India’s bid for future major games, such as the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.