Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Indian Families Offer Homes Amid Asian Games Housing Concerns
The Asian Games are being held in Japan.
Japan decided not to build one large village for all the athletes.
Instead, athletes are staying in hotels, small temporary huts and a cruise ship.
Some athletes say the rooms do not have enough space for their sports equipment.
They also say some beds are too small.
India is sending almost 500 athletes and officials to the Games.
Some Indian athletes have already been moved from huts into hotels.
About 2,000 Indian residents or families in Japan may provide homes if more rooms are needed.
India’s women’s cricket team also advanced after beating Japan and will play Bangladesh next.
About 2,000 Indian residents or families in Japan are on standby to house Indian Asian Games athletes if suitable rooms become unavailable.
Japan did not build an Athletes’ Village, instead using hotels, temporary wooden huts and a cruise ship.
Many athletes and officials have complained that temporary rooms lack storage space and that beds are too small.
The Indian Olympic Association has moved some athletes from huts to hotels and booked additional rooms as a contingency.
India’s women’s cricket team defeated Japan in the quarterfinals and is scheduled to face Bangladesh in the semifinal.
- Who
- Indian athletes and officials, Indian residents in Japan, the Indian Olympic Association, and Asian Games organizers.
- What
- Indian residents have offered homes as backup accommodation if suitable housing for Indian athletes becomes insufficient.
- When
- The offer was reported on Saturday, September 19; the India-Bangladesh semifinal was scheduled for Sunday, September 20.
- Where
- Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- Japan’s decision not to build an Athletes’ Village has led to concerns about the availability and suitability of temporary accommodation.
Organizers’ Position
Athletes’ Concerns
Temporary accommodation
Organizers’ Position
Organizers said the accommodation was safe, cost-effective and comfortable, and that Japan should be applauded for trying a different approach.
Athletes’ Concerns
Many athletes and officials said the temporary rooms lacked space for their equipment and that the beds were too small.
India’s housing plans
Organizers’ Position
Indian officials have booked hotels and say households in Japan are willing to welcome athletes if hotel rooms fall short.
Athletes’ Concerns
Moving some Indian athletes from huts into hotels suggests that some temporary accommodation may not meet their needs.
- Event
- 2026 Asian Games in Japan
- Potential hosts
- About 2,000 Indian residents or families in Japan
- Indian delegation
- Almost 500 Indian athletes
- Total expected arrivals
- About 17,000 athletes and officials
- Accommodation plan
- Hotels, temporary wooden container-style huts and a cruise ship
- Reported problems
- Limited storage space and beds considered too small by many athletes
- Cricket fixture
- India women versus Bangladesh in the second semifinal
