Asian Games: Olympic Council of Asia cites 54 world records to declare Aichi-Nagoya Games a success despite chaos

North Korea’s Ri Song Gum achieved 94-121-215 records in the 49 kg category. (AP photo) The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has defended the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as a success, pointing to 54 world records, strong viewership and a nearly 20% increase in revenue despite ongoing logistical problems marring the continental sporting gem.OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam said the record-breaking performances proved that the athletes have the environment needed to perform exceptionally during the Games, which concluded on Sunday.A total of 54 world records, 11 junior world records and 89 continental records were set during the competition, providing the OCA with evidence of the sporting success of the event despite complaints about accommodation and transport.“This success does not come without the best environment,” Al-Musallam told reporters at a press conference on the last day of the Games.“Athletes can’t perform if they don’t have transportation. Athletes can’t perform if they don’t have good health care. Athletes can’t perform if they don’t eat food. The number speaks, it’s the evidence. We’re here to give you the evidence.”

OCA President Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, left, looks at the Olympic Council of Asia flag as it is held by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar. (AP photo)

OCA highlights records, sales growth

Al-Musallam also emphasized the financial sustainability of the Aichi-Nagoya model, arguing that major sporting events do not necessarily require costly infrastructure projects that could become underutilized after the competition.“We are happy that there is no big financial burden on the organizing committee and that there is no white elephant left in Nagoya or anywhere,” he said.The OCA attributed the nearly 20% increase in revenue compared to the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games to largely digital growth and stronger viewership. India vs Pakistan hockey and cricket matches were among those that attracted large television audiences.Weightlifting has been a major contributor to the record spectacle with 25 senior world records in the sport. North Korea led the way with 15 world records, while China also produced a number of outstanding performances.The Games attracted around 17,000 athletes and officials after a surge in late entries, around 2,000 more than originally anticipated.

Logistical issues remain a problem

However, the sporting successes came against the backdrop of organizational difficulties. Without a dedicated athlete village, participants were accommodated in hotels, container-style housing units and on a cruise ship.The unexpected surge in registrations has made accommodation and transportation more difficult, prompting complaints of cramped rooms, small beds and unreliable transportation. The general secretary of the organizing committee, Satoshi Murate, apologized for the problems.However, OCA officials said the games demonstrated the power of sport to bring countries together amid international tensions.“If you look at the news, conflicts are everywhere – in Asia, outside Asia,” Al-Musallam said. “Economic problems everywhere. But look at Asia, how united we are in sports.”Tayyab Ikram, chairman of the Games Coordinating Committee, acknowledged that improvements were necessary.“There are no games without challenges. There are no games without initial interruptions,” Ikram said.“In the future, we would like to see more sustainable solutions, more improvements and innovations… but without compromising the conditions of the athletes.”As Doha prepares to host the 2030 Asian Games, the Aichi-Nagoya edition left organizers with two contrasting legacies: a remarkable collection of sporting records and a reminder that operational efficiency must match athletic ambition.