The Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF) established in 1992 aims at providing a platform for all university students in Asia to exchange and interact through sports. The national university sports federation in each country/region may apply for membership of AUSF and join all programs and events organized by the Federation. As of Nov. 2016, AUSF has a total of 38 members. When the Federation was established in 1992, there was only 10 founding members; membership of AUSF has grown significantly in the last twenty years.

PURPOSE OF AUSF

Paragraph 4 of Article 3 in the Constitutions of AUSF: The purpose of AUSF is to promote international friendship, respect and understanding among Asian nations and it has the following specific missions:

First, to promote and advance sports for harmonious development of mind and body of Asian collegians and for holistic education.

Second, to educate virtues of sports and the spirit of amateur sportsmanship and to propagate and understand Olympism.

Third, to affirm friendship among Asian collegians through active sports exchange programs between Asian universities.

Fourth, to increase the awareness and understanding between nations by active sports and cultural exchange programs.

Fifth, to strive to strengthen technical skills and level of performance for college athletes.

ESTABLISHMENT OF AUSF

At the World University Games held in Duisberg, Germany in August 1989, leaders of the delegations from Korea, China, Japan,   Mongolia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Thailand happened to meet and discuss on the development of university sports in their country/region. They all felt the importance of mutual support in the development of university sports and the initial idea of forming a regional/continental federation came out naturally. There were two subsequent meetings held in Hong Kong in February 1990 and in Kuala Lumpur in August 1991 respectively to prepare for the establishment of the Asian University Sports Federation as an umbrella society in development of the university sports in Asia. Organizational structure, purpose, and the constitutions were drafted and agreed at these two meetings.

As a result of the concerted effort of this group of sports leaders, the Inaugural General Assembly was held on 28th March 1992 in Bangkok, Thailand. The ten founding members were China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Mongloia, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam. Seven nations from the Far East also sent in their observers.  At this General Assembly, Prof. Bunnag PATCHAI of Thailand was elected the inaugural President and the first Executive Committee was also elected.

MILESTONE OF AUSF

Meeting of sports leaders in Duisburg in 1989 Brainstorming session leading to an idea of organizing a Continental Federation to assist each other in development of university sports.

Establishment of AUSF in 1992. The concerted effort of sports leaders in Asia in materializing the idea of forming a Continental Federation.  Initially, sports competition is the major tool, with a multi-event game and championships in alternate years.

Affiliation to the International University Sports Federation (FISU). FISU as the leading organization for international university sport has currently a total of 145 members from five continents.  The Universiade (World University Games, Summer and Winter) are held every two years on odd-numbered years.  The World University Championships in individual events are held on the even-numbered years.  FISU supports these competitions which will give student-athletes the opportunity to come together from all around the world in a spirit of understanding and peace so that they can aim towards obtaining results at a high technical level.  The philosophy of FISU builds on promotion of sporting values and encouragement of sporting practice in harmony with and complementary to the university spirit.  Sporting values such as friendship, fraternity, fair-play, integrity and co-operation.  In essence, FISU focuses on the intellectual, moral and physical development of university students. The idea of supporting Continental Federation of FISU helps in the growth and development of these regional bodies.  Financial support from FISU also allows the proper functioning of these continental bodies in enhancing their own management and programs, bringing together students in different regions and encouraging development of sporting events with strong cultural heritage.

Permanent Secretariat in Beijing. AUSF has now rented an office of her own, an independent office from the Federation of University Sports of China who had rendered support and assistance in the past five years.  Staff members of AUSF Secretariat are more motivated and have a strong identity.

Legal Status of AUSF. AUSF is incorporated in China.  It is now a legal entity, the leading organization for university sport in Asia.