3 hrs ago
Asian Games Chief Defends Controversial Athlete Accommodation
The 2026 Asian Games will take place in Japan.
Some athletes have been given rooms in wooden huts, hotels, or a cruise ship.
Several athletes and team officials say some of the rooms are too small or have problems.
One video showed water leaking into a South Korean athlete’s room.
There are also reports that Nagoya and the surrounding area do not have enough rooms.
Some Indian athletes waited for hours because their information was not properly registered.
Hideaki Omura, who leads the organizing committee, defended the accommodations.
He said the huts had seemed functional and good when people inspected them.
The organizers said they would fix problems as they appeared.
Athletes at the 2026 Asian Games have been assigned wooden huts, a cruise liner, and hotel rooms.
South Korean basketball officials criticized the huts, saying they were unsuitable for athletes over two meters tall.
A South Korean player shared video showing leaking pipes and a soaked room.
Organizing committee president Hideaki Omura said the huts were considered functional and had received positive feedback before opening.
Some Indian athletes reportedly waited hours for rooms after a registration glitch caused accommodation problems.
- Who
- Athletes and teams competing in the 2026 Asian Games, including South Korean basketball players and Indian athletes; the organizing committee led by Hideaki Omura.
- What
- Athletes have raised concerns about wooden huts, leaking rooms, limited accommodation, and delays in receiving rooms.
- Where
- Nagoya and the wider Aichi prefecture in Japan.
- When
- Before the 2026 Asian Games begin; one Indian athlete reported waiting at least seven hours.
- Why
- Reported accommodation shortages and a system glitch that prevented athlete information from being registered caused problems; officials said they were addressing issues as they arose.
Athlete and Team Complaints
Organizers’ Defense
Suitability of wooden huts
Athlete and Team Complaints
South Korean basketball officials said the huts were unreasonable, especially for athletes taller than two meters who could not stretch out on the beds.
Organizers’ Defense
Hideaki Omura said the huts had been inspected before opening and were described as functional and good.
Condition of rooms
Athlete and Team Complaints
A South Korean team member shared video showing leaking pipes and a soaked room, while another team member chose to book a different room after checking the facilities.
Organizers’ Defense
The organizing committee said it was responding to individual complaints and improving conditions as issues arose.
Availability of accommodation
Athlete and Team Complaints
Some Indian athletes were left waiting for rooms, and reports cited shortages in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture.
Organizers’ Defense
The organizers attributed the immediate registration problem to a system glitch and said they were continuing to address the situation.
Key facts
- Event
- 2026 Asian Games
- Host location
- Nagoya and wider Aichi prefecture, Japan
- Accommodation types
- Wooden huts, a cruise liner, and hotel rooms
- Main complaint
- Some athletes said the huts were too small, while one room reportedly had leaking pipes
- Organizing committee response
- President Hideaki Omura said the facilities were functional and that problems were being addressed
- Reported delay
- Indian MMA athlete Varun Sanyal said he had waited seven hours for a room
- Reported cause
- A systemic registration glitch and accommodation shortages
Quotes
Jung Jae-yong
Vice-president of the Korea Basketball Association
“Athletes who are over two metres (6ft 7in) tall cannot even stretch their legs out on the beds. It's unreasonable.”
republicworld.com
Hideaki Omura
President of the Asian Games organizing committee
“If there are different opinions then we will respond to them appropriately.”
republicworld.com
Varun Sanyal
Indian MMA athlete
“I can confirm this is true. I'm currently on 7 hours and counting.”
republicworld.com
Sources
Related news
South Korea Decries ‘Worst Ever’ Asian Games Accommodation
Accommodation Problems Strand Indian Athletes Before 2026 Asian Games
Nagoya Asian Games Use Cruise Ship, Huts Amid Accommodation Complaints
Asian Games Face Accommodation Crisis as Indian Athletes Wait
Asian Games Organisers Assure Accommodation For 17,000 Participants
Asian Games Cricket Faces Accommodation Concerns Ahead Of Japan Tournament
Five Indian Shooters Take Five Different Roads to Asian Games
Rainout Rule Could Send India Into Asian Games Semifinals
