Container rooms to sushi: Indian athletes gear up for Asian Games and Japan

Patiala, Sep 4: India's athletes are spending nights inside shipping containers at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) to acclimatize to a unique accommodation setup they will face at the Asia Games in Japan. The beds are short, walls close, and space minimal, but officials aim to make the unfamiliar feel familiar.

Deputy Director General Vineet Kumar explained the goal is to avoid any logistical distractions and let athletes focus on their performance. Two-time Asian Games gold medallist Tajinderpal Singh Toor believes the advance preparation could give athletes a psychological edge. SAI and the Ministry placed a Ministry-SAI team in Japan to replicate the container environment, and athletes spend nights inside before heading to training.

The eight athletes who have participated so far have given positive feedback, appreciating the functional space despite the compact size. The containers will be converted into guest houses after the Games.