Asian Games set for liftoff but will everyone have a bed?

The 20th Asian Games are set to kick off in Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, drawing more participants than the Olympics themselves. Organizers have faced challenges in finding adequate accommodation for the 17,000+ athletes and officials, opting to house them in temporary facilities, such as a cruise ship, wooden containers, and hotel rooms.

The Italian cruise ship, Costa Serena, accommodates between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes and officials, along with seven swimming pools, eight restaurants, and nine bars. However, South Korean officials have expressed dissatisfaction, labeling the facilities as "the worst" accommodation ever at the Games. Rain, which has already disrupted preparations, is forecast for the coming week, despite organizers' assurances that everyone will have a bed.

The Asian Games feature a mix of Olympic staples and regional favorites, with eSports, breakdancing, and BMX cycling debuting. The event serves as qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in seven sports, with top athletes like Alexandra Eala and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi participating. China aims to top the medal table, while North Korea competes with 100+ athletes, and India hopes to make a statement in cricket.