Asian Games hosts run out of rooms for athletes

The Asian Games in Japan have encountered a crisis as they have exhausted accommodation options for up to 5,000 athletes. Organizers initially anticipated 15,000 athletes and officials to attend the Games in Nagoya and Aichi region from September 19th to October 4th. However, the Olympic Council of Asia recently confirmed the attendance would likely be closer to 17,000 after including new sports teqball and padel.

Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa of Nagoya and acting chairman Hideaki Omura of the local organizing committee expressed difficulty in accommodating the larger number due to budget constraints. Omura stated they neither have the manpower nor the budget to make necessary arrangements for the influx of athletes. The host city agreement specifies a delegation of 15,000, and the committee has not set aside funds for more.

As a result, athletes will have to find their own accommodation if they still wish to participate. The Italian cruise ship Costa Serena will host between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes, while shipping container-style huts will house another 2,000. The remaining athletes and officials will use hotels in Tokyo for events like swimming, diving, and equestrian competitions.