The organizers of the Asian Games are committed to solving problems with the accommodation of athletes

Asian Games organizers have pledged to address complaints from athletes and officials about accommodation for the Aichi-Nagoya Games, saying concrete steps are already being taken to improve living conditions just days before the event officially begins.

“We are fully aware of the dissatisfaction and concerns expressed by the athletes’ delegation,” accommodation manager Yuta Matsuo told Reuters. “However, we not only recognize these problems, but are already taking concrete steps to improve the environment for athletes, including their living conditions during their stay.”

The games officially begin on Saturday, although the football and basketball contests are already underway. More than 17,000 athletes and officials are expected to participate.

INDIA ALSO AFFECTED

Concerns about accommodation are not limited to one delegation. Sources in the Sports Ministry had told India Today earlier that this was the case delay in allotment of some container accommodation to members of the Indian contingent.

However, sources stressed that the problem was not specific to India, with several foreign teams also facing delays as organizers work to finalize accommodation following a model different from previous Asian Games.

Organizers have decided against building a dedicated athletes’ village for the Games, instead relying on a mix of temporary lodges, hotels, Airbnbs and a cruise ship to accommodate participants.

ACCOMMODATION UNDER PRESSURE

The unusual measures came at a time of an increase in the expected number of participants. Organizers originally planned for around 15,000 athletes and officials, but that number has increased as more sports have been added to the program.

Problems with accommodation have raised concerns about the availability and quality of facilities provided to delegations.

The Italian cruise ship Costa Serena arrived at Nagoya’s Kinjo Pier on Tuesday and will serve as accommodation for around 4,000 participants during the Games. Around 2,000 athletes and officials are expected to stay in temporary shipping container-style cabins in the port area.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games President Hideaki Ohmura welcomed the cruise ship’s arrival, describing the “ship hotel” as an innovative accommodation solution for a major international sporting event.

SOUTH KOREA RAISES CONCERN

South Korea proved to be one of the most critical delegations about accommodation.

Jung Jae-yong, vice president of the Korea Basketball Association, described the temporary cabins as the worst accommodations he had encountered and expressed concern about the size of the beds.

“Athletes who are over two meters tall can’t even stretch their legs on the beds. It’s unreasonable,” Jung said.

South Korean basketball player Byeon Jun-hyeong also posted a video showing water pouring out of the sink and soaking the floor of his cabin, along with a plea for help.

Jung said South Korean officials had raised concerns but had not yet received a response from organizers at this stage.

THE ORGANIZERS PROMISE THE EVENT

Matsuo said the organizers understood the dissatisfaction among the delegations and were already working on improvements.

He said sustainability was central to the accommodation plan and acknowledged that different delegations would have different requirements, even though the measures had been approved by the Japanese Olympic Committee.

A 24-hour resident center will operate during the Games to deal with complaints and issues raised by athletes and officials.

“We are making every effort to ensure that athletes do not have to remain anxious or worried for an extended period of time,” Matsuo said.

Matsuo also acknowledged that some cabins on the Costa Serena may be small, but encouraged athletes to use the shared facilities and recreation areas on the ship rather than focusing solely on cabin size.

OTHER DELEGATIONS CONCERNED

Problems with accommodation also affected other participating teams.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino said the country’s athletes have been provided with rooms, but some support staff, including coaches, have been relocated to other hotels and Airbnbs.

The wider accommodation issue stems from the increase in the number of athletes and officials expected for the Games. Organizers originally planned for around 15,000 participants before that number increased to more than 17,000.

In a joint statement with the Olympic Council of Asia last week, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games organizing committee said numbers would be limited to 17,000, with accommodation guaranteed for all participants within that limit.

The Asian Games, in their third year to be held in Japan, officially opened on Saturday and will run until October 4.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

15 Sep 2026 18:32 IST