Indian athletes left stranded after arriving for 2026 Asian Games

Dubai: Indian athletes encountered significant challenges upon their arrival in Nagoya for the 2026 Asian Games. Several members of the contingent were stranded, waiting for accommodation for over 14 hours, as evidenced by a video that circulated on social media. The footage showed athletes sleeping on the floor, possibly at the airport, while awaiting transportation to their lodgings.

The incident affected not only Indian athletes but also those from Vietnam, China, South Korea, and Thailand. Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal confirmed the situation, stating that he had been without shelter for seven hours.

The problems extended beyond just accommodation. South Korean officials criticized the organizers for poor planning and shortages of sleeping arrangements. India's athletics contingent had to contend with logistical issues of their own, including athletes going without breakfast after arriving at their hotel. Transport to training sessions was also delayed, and registration processes created confusion, with some members of the wushu contingent finding their names absent from the accommodation list and other athletes facing accreditation issues.

The accommodation challenges are not exclusive to India. The organizers are housing around 17,000 athletes and officials across a cruise ship, hotels, and temporary container-style facilities, deviating from the conventional athletes’ village setup. With the Asian Games set to officially commence on Saturday, the organizers are now under pressure to swiftly address these logistical issues to ensure a smooth continuation of the games.