Nagoya, Sep 18: The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya are facing accommodation and logistical problems just days before the opening ceremony, with several international teams reporting delays and difficulties.
Unlike previous major sporting events, organizers did not build a central athletes’ village. Instead, participants are staying in temporary wooden cabins, hotels and an Italian cruise ship. Around 2,000 athletes and officials have reportedly been placed in the temporary huts, which have drawn criticism over their limited space and facilities.
The accommodation shortage has been linked to a rise in participant numbers. Organizers initially planned for around 15,000 athletes and officials, but the number later crossed 17,000 after additional sports were included. Aichi Governor and organizing committee president Hideaki Omura acknowledged that arranging extra accommodation had become difficult because of budget and staffing constraints.
Heavy rain and flooding in Nagoya have added to the problems, with some participants in temporary accommodation reportedly being evacuated.
Indian athletes and officials were also among those affected by delays after arriving in Japan. Some delegations reportedly waited several hours at the airport for credential checks and transportation. There were also complaints about room-allocation errors, including officials without rooms and coaches being placed in athletes’ accommodation.
The temporary cabins have faced further criticism over their size and condition. Officials said some taller athletes struggled with the beds, while videos reportedly showed water leaks and wet floors. Indian Olympic Association officials also raised concerns about limited luggage space during the three-week competition.
Food and transportation have added to the challenges. Some athletes have reportedly found meal options at venues inadequate, while scattered competition venues have resulted in long journeys. The Indian shooting team, for example, has faced commutes of around 50 km to its venue.
With accommodation, transport and weather-related issues continuing, organizers are under pressure to improve arrangements for athletes and teams before competition gets fully underway.
