These changes date back to the 1970s. During this period, Asian countries demanded more influence in the IOC. It was the Seventh Asian Games, held in Tehran in 1974, which was a regional sporting event and a training platform for the Olympics, that accelerated “the rise” of the Asian nations mentioned above.
Two Chinas problem
This is all rooted in the struggle for legitimacy between China and Taiwan. Since 1949, both have claimed to be “China’s only representative.”” That meant that each country refused to participate in sporting events that the other also attended.
China withdrew its participation in international sporting events after the Cultural Revolution in Beijing in 1966.
Beijing’s participation in the Seventh Asian Games in 1974 was the result of negotiations between Beijing, the IOC, and other parties.
The Chinese flag is displayed at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Jerry Lampen/Reuters
Iran under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was one of China’s biggest supporters. His engagements with China increased anti-Soviet cooperation after Tehran recognized Beijing diplomatically in 1970.
Beijing took over the seat that Taipei had held at the United Nations soon after. This led to decolonization and an increasing number of UN member states supporting Beijing’s claims.
Members from the Asian Games Federation in Japan also strongly supported China’s participation. They believed Beijing to be China and wanted Chinese athletes at the Asian Games.
The Tehran Games were the first Asian Games held in West Asia. They also had an impact on Arab countries in the region. Many had already experienced decolonization and a financial explosion in 1973 due to the First Oil Crisis.
Seven of them joined the Asian Games Federation before or after the Seventh Games. The involvement of the athletes in Olympic sports was a result.
Geopolitical Background
Geopolitical shifts had a significant impact on the Iranian government’s plan to utilize China to counterbalance the Soviet Union. Since the mid-1950s, there have been strong ideological tensions between China and the Soviet Union.
The USSR was of great concern in the 1970s because the British declared in 1969 that they would remove all their troops east of the Suez Canal by 1971. This was an important factor in decolonizing the Persian Gulf.
Tensions in Iran led the Iranians to believe that China could be a tool used to limit the freedom of action and freedom of the USSR.