[5][6][7][8] The tournament also was once called the ‘Mini Asia Cup’ around the 1960s to 1980s, which was founded by the former AFC President, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

[9][10] At that time, the FIFA president, Sir Stanley Rous, was just as surprised that newly independent Asian country could successfully organize a football tournament where all expenses of the visiting teams were fully borne by the host.

During the late 1950s to early 1980s, it was a prestigious tournament among Asian nations because the participants sent their full senior players.

[14] The first edition of the tournament was held in August and September 1957 with British Hong Kong emerging inaugural champions.

The tournament uses the same format as the 2023 edition, where higher-ranked teams received a bye in the semi-final, and only waiting in the finals.