GANEFO, or the Games of the New Emerging Forces (Pesta Olahraga Negara-Negara Berkembang), was an international multi-sport event established by Indonesia in the 1960s as a counter to the Olympic Games, in response to Indonesia’s suspension from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after the politically contentious IV Asian Games in 1962, where Indonesia refused entry to Israel and Taiwan.

The first GANEFO was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from November 10 to 22, 1963. A second GANEFO originally been planned to be held in Cairo, The United Arab Republic in 1967, but this was canceled due to political considerations.

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Instead, a scaled-down version that known as the “1st Asian GANEFO,” was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from November 25 to December 6, 1966. This event was restricted to Asian nations with Guinea as the only non-Asian participant in a qualifying tournament. China again led the medal table with 108 gold medals.

Now shown here are the medals from the 1st Asian GANEFO, that says “Onward! No Retreat!” (Maju Terus! Pantang Mundur!)and I GANEFO D’ASIE – PHNOM PENH 1966. Based on my research, i believe this is the first time that these medals have been shown on the internet.

Picture: Cambodian ruler Prince Sihanouk opens the 1966 Phnom Penh Games of the New Emerging Forces (GANEFO).

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Plans for a further 2nd Asian GANEFO in 1970 in Beijing, China or Pyongyang, North Korea did not materialize. This marked the end of GANEFO events as political and organizational challenges prevented further iterations.

(Note: I believe there are two medals that are not related to this event. However, since they were found in a package already cataloged by Pak Ken, I did not intend to separate them) 

Pali Tripitaka badge Cambodia 1969?

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