Why Indian athletes are sleeping in shipping containers before the 2026 Asian Games in Japan

Indian athletes competing in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan are adopting an unconventional sleeping arrangement before their departure. Instead of traditional accommodations, they are spending nights inside converted shipping containers. This strategy aims to familiarize the athletes with the limited space they will experience during the Games, as the Aichi Nagoya Asian Games will not feature a conventional athletes' village.

The Sports Authority of India has set up these containers at its training centers in Patiala and Bengaluru, where athletes take turns sleeping in them before resuming their training regimen the following morning. Although initially challenging, athletes like Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Seema Kaliraman and two-time Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have grown accustomed to the setup.

However, concerns remain for larger athletes, such as Toor, who may struggle with the confined space alongside their training equipment. To combat this, SAI centers in Bengaluru have begun incorporating Japanese cuisine, including sushi, into the athletes' menu to acclimate them to the potential dining options in Japan. The preparations extend beyond lodging and meals, as India aims to ensure their athletes arrive in Japan focused on their performance rather than being distracted by unfamiliar surroundings.