South Korean officials decry ‘worst ever’ Asian Games accommodation | Sport
Accommodation Challenges Ahead of Asian Games in Japan
NAGOYA, Japan — As the Asian Games prepare to commence this week, officials from South Korea have raised concerns about a significant shortage of accommodation for athletes and officials, labeling the situation as the “worst ever.” With the Games set to open officially on Saturday, initial events, including football and basketball, are already in progress.
The Korea Basketball Association’s vice president, Jung Jae-yong, criticized the temporary housing arrangements, which include makeshift cabins and beds that are reportedly too short for taller athletes. “Based on my experience, this is the worst it has ever been,” Jung stated, expressing frustration over the inadequate sleeping conditions. He added, “Athletes who are over two meters tall cannot even stretch their legs out on the beds. It’s unreasonable.”
Some Philippine officials have resorted to using Airbnb accommodations to address their needs, as the lack of a dedicated athletes’ village has compelled organizers to rely on a cruise ship, temporary wooden cabins, and various hotels to minimize costs. The Italian cruise ship Costa Serena is expected to dock in Nagoya on Tuesday, providing housing for between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes, while others will be accommodated in hotels, including those in Tokyo, where swimming, diving, and equestrian events are scheduled.
The challenges were compounded last week when heavy rainfall swept through Nagoya, briefly evacuating numerous athletes from their accommodations. Additional rain is forecast for the coming days, raising further concerns among officials.
A recent statement from the organizers indicated that they were initially prepared for 15,000 participants, but the number has since climbed to over 17,000, exceeding expectations. Organizers admitted they lacked “the manpower and the budget” to effectively manage the unexpected increase in numbers.
Korean officials have continued to express their concerns as the Games approach. “At the moment, there is a serious shortage of accommodation not only for the entire South Korean delegation but for delegations from around the world in the Aichi-Nagoya area,” said an official from the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. “We are doing everything we can to resolve the issue and ensure there are no such problems.”
Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino confirmed that all athletes from his country have secured accommodation, although some officials, including coaches, have been relocated to different hotels or Airbnb rentals.
As athletes prepare to participate in the upcoming events, logistical hurdles continue to shape the early stages of the Asian Games.
