Asian Games: Governing body urged to address participant surge: sources

As the number of athletes and officials expected to participate in the upcoming Asian Games is projected to surpass initial estimates by up to 2,000, Japan's organizing committee has called for the governing body to address the issue, according to sources familiar with the situation. This potential surge in participants is attributed, in part, to more entries than anticipated from participating countries and regions, based on data provided by the Olympic Council of Asia and international sports federations.

The situation could necessitate the addition of accommodations and meals, resulting in increased expenses for the organizing committee. The Asian Games, scheduled to take place primarily in Aichi Prefecture from mid-September, have prompted the organizing committee to urge the OCA to reduce the number of participants back to the original projection of 15,000.

One source stated, "This issue should be addressed as quickly as possible." Given the difficulty in significantly reducing the number of athletes, the OCA is likely to explore the possibility of reducing the number of coaches and other officials. Earlier in July, the OCA had warned the organizing committee via letter that preparations for competition venues needed to be expedited.

The Olympic Council of Asia has requested a detailed report from the organizing committee and dispatched officials to Japan in mid-August to evaluate the situation, highlighting the urgency as preparations reach their final stages. The Asian Games are set to be held in Nagoya and other cities across Aichi Prefecture through October 4, with some events also taking place in Tokyo and the prefectures of Gifu, Shizuoka, and Osaka.