The organisation of the Asian Games was inspired from the Far Eastern Games, held periodically in the 1920s and 30s, and the First Western Asiatic Games of 1934. These athletic meets were organised among countries, east of the Suez and west of Singapore, such as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Japan and the Philippines, among others. India, who was keen in organising an All-Asian game, initiated the formation of the Asian Games Federation in 1949. The inaugural Asian Games due to be held in 1950 was postponed to 1951 due to time constraint in its preparation. Subsequently, the Games has been held quadrennially, in between the Olympiads.