Asian Games organisers caught off guard by ‘worst ever’ accommodation complaints, promise improvements

NAGOYA, September 27 — Organizers of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan admitted they were taken by surprise by accommodation complaints from athletes, promising to enhance the experience for competitors during the final week. Unlike prior Games, the Aichi-Nagoya hosts did not build a conventional athletes' village to cut costs. Instead, more than 17,000 athletes and officials, surpassing the number of participants at the Olympics, are lodging in hotels, temporary wooden structures, and a cruise ship.

Some teams have expressed dissatisfaction with the shipping container-style units, citing cramped conditions and beds that are too narrow. Yuta Matsuo, deputy director of athletes' accommodation, acknowledged "issues that surpassed our expectations." However, he assured that they have handled complaints adequately, preventing major disruptions to the athletes or competition.

Matsuo vowed to remain receptive to athletes' needs and requests. South Korean officials deemed the container huts as "the worst ever," with beds too compact for their basketball team. Games officials provided a media tour of the facilities, revealing that there are 200 huts accommodating a total of 2,000 athletes throughout the Games, with three to four athletes sharing each unit.

The huts feature 35 square meters of floor space and ceilings 230 centimeters high. Toilets are tailored for athletes participating in the Asian Para Games, and beds are separated by curtains. Athletes share a communal dining area, a shop, a medical center, a fitness center, and a space for socializing. IOC president Kirsty Coventry described the containers as "beautiful" but noted they were "a little tighter" than accommodations at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Matsuo emphasized that organizers anticipate further issues and pledged to respond promptly and efficiently to any challenges.