‘Don't waste energy’: Bhaker urges Indian athletes to look beyond Asian Games chaos

The Sports Ministry in India has reached out to the Indian diaspora in Nagoya to address accommodation issues faced by athletes during the upcoming Asian Games, which commence on Saturday. The shortage of rooms has led to delays in accommodation for several athletes, including those from India's contingent. Facilities are currently being provided in container-style units, a docked cruise ship, and various hotels.

India's Chef-de-mission, Sahdev Yadav, revealed that roughly 35 athletes have already been relocated to hotels due to organizers' failure to provide their designated accommodation. The Sports Ministry is now seeking assistance from the Indian diaspora to help arrange lodging for athletes facing accommodation delays. With no dedicated athletes' village, alternative accommodations like container units and hotels have been utilized.

The Indian embassy in Nagoya has contacted approximately 2,000 Indian families to offer support in case the situation worsens. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has arrived in Nagoya and attended the flag-hoisting ceremony, expressing confidence in the support from the diaspora. Two members of the Chef de Mission's staff will remain at the airport to assist arriving athletes.

Some athletes have been waiting for accommodation for up to ten hours, drawing criticism from other participating countries. The Olympic Council of Asia has denied these allegations, asserting that efforts are being made to address the issue on social media without politicizing the Games. Nearly 11,000 athletes are expected to participate in the Asian Games, which is larger in terms of participation and roster size than the Olympics.