Asian Games chief defends ‘functional’ rooms after backlash

Organisers of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya have defended the temporary accommodation provided for athletes and officials, stating that the arrangements are functional and efforts are being made to address numerous complaints. Over 17,000 competitors and officials are expected to attend the games, which open on Saturday. The temporary housing includes a cruise liner, wooden containers, and hotel rooms, with about 2,000 athletes initially staying in the huts.

South Korean officials have criticized the container huts, calling them the "worst ever" and complaining about the beds being too short. A player from South Korea's men's basketball team posted a video showing a leaking sink and wet floor in his accommodation, and he called for assistance. Organising committee president Hideaki Omura assured that the priority is to keep athletes and officials safe, even in the face of heavy rainfall and typhoons common in Japan during this time.

Despite tickets sales being "going fairly well," organisers acknowledge that lesser-known sports have yet to gain traction among the Japanese public. Omura hopes the Games will help reaffirm Asia's bonds of friendship through sport.