Asian Games 2026: Even before the start of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, problems related to accommodation and other arrangements have arisen in front of the players. The Games will formally begin with the opening ceremony on Saturday, but before that, teams from many countries have reported problems in getting rooms, transportation and other facilities. This time the organizers have not prepared the traditional 'Athletes' Village'.
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Instead, hotels in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, accommodation such as temporary wooden containers and Italy's cruise ship 'Costa Serena' are being used to accommodate players and officials. With the arrival of about 17 thousand players and officials, the pressure regarding rooms and other arrangements has increased.
Players base built in the sea
This time 'Costa Serena' is being used as a temporary floating residence. The ship has approximately 1,500 cabins and a reported passenger capacity of 3,780. According to various reports, thousands of players and officials will be housed in it during the Games. Organizers decided to arrange accommodation in separate locations rather than building a traditional village due to cost and concerns that a large complex would be left unused after the Games.
But this system is now under question. Some players have complained about the luggage space in the rooms and the size of the beds. Recently, after heavy rains, there was a need to remove players from temporary accommodation. The organizing committee says that accommodation arrangements have been ensured for all the participants and the problems encountered are being resolved.
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Backup plan for Indian team also
After reaching Nagoya, Indian players also faced problems related to accommodation, transportation and other logistics. Some Indian players have been shifted to the hotel instead of the designated place. In view of the situation, the Indian Sports Ministry has prepared a three-tier system, so that players can get immediate help if needed.
According to the ministry, about 2,000 people of the Indian community have been kept on standby in Nagoya. If needed, they can help in arranging stay in their homes for the Indian players. Apart from this, Indian officers have also been deployed at the airport and welcome center.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha in Nagoya on Friday. During this, various issues related to the Indian team were discussed. India's Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav has also admitted to facing problems related to accommodation, accreditation and transportation in the initial phase.
Amidst all this, more than 11 thousand players from 45 countries and regions are participating in 43 sports in the Nagoya Asian Games. The formal organization of the Games will begin from Saturday and continue till October 4.