‘Find your own room’: Japan says can’t handle added Asian Games numbers

The Asian Games organisers in Nagoya have informed latecomers that they must find their own accommodation, citing a lack of funds and space to handle the increased participant numbers. Initially, 15,000 athletes and officials were anticipated to attend the Games, which run from September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya and the wider Aichi region. However, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has now set the number at 17,000 - comprising 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials.

Organisers are not using a dedicated athletes' village, instead relying on a cruise ship, temporary wooden containers, and hotels. Hideaki Omura, the organising committee president and Aichi Prefecture governor, revealed they have neither the manpower nor the budget to accommodate any more than the initial 15,000-person delegation. He stated they have not allocated funds for additional participants and there is no space for them to stay.

To save costs, temporary accommodation for athletes has been arranged, with the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena housing 4,000 to 5,000 athletes, while 2,000 athletes and officials will reside in shipping container-style huts. The remaining participants will be accommodated in hotels, including those in Tokyo where swimming, diving, and equestrian events will be held.

The local organising committee has reportedly requested the OCA to reduce the number of participants. If athletes still wish to participate, they will need to make their own arrangements. Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa, serving as acting chairman of the organising committee, admitted it is challenging to accommodate such a large number, both in terms of time and physical capacity, and the city is operating with a tight budget.