Asian Games Face Criticism Over Accommodation Issues

The 2026 Asian Games in Japan have been overshadowed by organizational controversies, with athletes facing long delays and accommodation issues due to the absence of a dedicated Athletes' Village. The event, which opened on September 19 in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture, has drawn criticism from multiple countries over logistical problems that have affected participants upon arrival. Instead of a traditional village, organizers provided accommodation through hotels, temporary wooden cabins, and a cruise ship docked in Nagoya's port. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) defended this cost-saving measure, stating that the arrangement is safe, cost-effective, and comfortable. However, athletes from China, India, and South Korea reported significant delays at the airport, with some waiting for hours due to registration and transportation issues. Chinese gymnast Zhang Boheng, a two-time world champion, described a six-hour wait after landing on September 18, followed by an inability to board the cruise ship due to heavy rain. He and his teammates eventually booked hotel rooms to rest.