Nightmare in Nagoya: Korea, China get chaotic welcome at Asian Games

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have begun with a series of chaotic events, causing frustration among athletes from Korea, China, and other nations. Transport delays and system failures have plagued the opening, with buses getting lost, shuttle buses reaching the wrong destinations, and athletes being dropped off at the incorrect hotels.

In one instance, South Korean basketball players were housed in cramped container accommodations, with shared toilets and showers, leading to complaints about living conditions. The situation worsened when the welcome ceremony at the cruise ship village featured historical figures associated with Japan's invasions of Korea, eliciting anger from the Korean contingent.

Furthermore, the Chinese gymnastics team faced difficulties as only two members could be located in the on-site system, leaving the entire team stranded. They resorted to training on yoga mats to pass the time until they could be transported to their official accommodations. Private transportation was another source of frustration, with Kazakhstan's shooting team waiting over two hours for a ride, prompting some athletes to travel independently.

The table tennis, wushu, and rowing teams also experienced delays, with some waiting up to 5-6 hours after arrival. The Sri Lankan delegation reported that their total travel and waiting time exceeded 24 hours since leaving home. The chaos at the Asian Games has raised concerns about the organization's ability to manage such a large international event effectively.