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

The 20th Asian Games are set to kick off in Nagoya, Japan on Saturday, with over 17,000 athletes and officials expected to take part, more than the number participating in the Olympics. The games, which run until October 4, have seen organizers scrambling to find accommodation for the large number of participants, leading to unconventional options such as a cruise ship and wooden containers being used.

Among the temporary accommodations is the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena, which will house between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes and officials. This arrangement has raised concerns, with South Korean officials calling the facilities "the worst accommodation ever at the Games." Despite the challenges, organizers are confident that everyone will have a bed, despite a shortage, and remain optimistic that the typhoon season will not disrupt the event.

The Asian Games will feature a range of sports, from international favorites like basketball and football to regional favorites such as sepak takraw and kabaddi. This year's games also mark the debut of eSports, breakdancing, BMX cycling, padel, and MMA. The event will serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in seven sports, including surfing, tennis, archery, and squash.

Notable participants include Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala and Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi. The host country, Japan, will be looking to their Olympic champions for success, with gymnast Shinnosuke Oka and javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi set to compete.