Establishment of the Asian Triathlon Confederation
On June 30, 1991, the Beijing International Triathlon (hosted by the Chinese Triathlon Association and others) was held in Beijing, China. At the Asian Triathlon Conference convened in conjunction with this event, the "Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC)" was established.
The organization was founded with the aim of promoting triathlon across 43 countries and regions in Asia, and of serving as one of the seven regional governing bodies organized worldwide.
The inaugural general assembly was attended by Mr. Les McDonald, President of the International Triathlon Union (ITU). The Asian Triathlon Confederation was officially recognized as the ITU's regional governing body for Asia. Mr. Lou Dapeng, a council member of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), was approved as President upon the recommendation of the Chinese Triathlon Association and the All-China Sports Federation. Two individuals were appointed as Vice Presidents: Mr. Hong Seok-gyo, President of the Korea Triathlon Federation, and Mr. Nakaji Shimizu, President of the Japan Triathlon Association (former Honorary President of the Japan Triathlon Union, now deceased). The President of the Triathlon Federation of India was appointed as Treasurer, and one representative from the Japan Triathlon Union was appointed as Secretary General.
The countries participating in the first inaugural meeting were six in number: China, Japan, Korea, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Among the principal resolutions was the holding of the first Asian Triathlon Championships in 1992, and at the following meeting Japan was designated as the host country.
In July 1994, at the general assembly held on Jeju Island, Korea, President Lou was re-elected, and Mr. Chiharu Igaya, President of the Japan Triathlon Union, together with President Ramachandra of the Triathlon Federation of India, were each appointed as Vice Presidents.
As of April 1997, the member nations are: China, Japan, Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Nepal, and Uzbekistan.