It was the first time that gymnastics was included as the medal sport in the Asian Games, and only artistic events were contested.

[1] In the Games, only four participating National Olympic Committees (NOCs) succeeded in winning any medal.

Kazuo Horide of Japan won three gold medals in individual all-around, floor exercise and vault, and became the most successful male gymnast of the Games.

Jiang Shaoyi of China won gold medals in all the individual events (except vault), and became the most successful gymnast of the Games.

[2] Women's events were widely perceived as being dominated by China, who claimed nine medals in total, including five golds.