{
  "id": 9413446,
  "title": "Asian Games 2026: Anthem, Bus Mishaps Draw Criticism; Participating Nations Decry ‘Immature’ Management",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/asian-games-2026-anthem-bus-mishaps-draw-criticism-participating",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T21:00:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
    "slug": "the-japan-news-by-the-yomiuri-shimbun",
    "url": "https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/other-sports/20260924-350147/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya have faced criticism over operational blunders, including anthem mix-ups, shuttle bus failures, and incorrect medal ceremony introductions. These issues have sparked complaints from participating nations, with the International community expressing disappointment in the management's immaturity. South Korean President Ryu Seung-min was particularly incensed after North Korea's national anthem played unintentionally during a field hockey match. The Asian Games organizing committee swiftly apologized for the mix-up, attributing it to a staff member's error in selecting the wrong audio file. However, the mishap has only added to the series of operational troubles plaguing the event. A shuttle bus failure on the day of the men's basketball final further aggravated the situation, forcing the South Korean team to cancel morning practice. South Korean media, including YTN, have harshly criticized the organizers for their management, deeming it immature. Indian athletes were reportedly also inconvenienced as they could not secure the accommodations designated by the organizers. China's state-run news agency reported a bus scheduling mishap that left Chinese athletes stranded at the airport for hours. While Takaaki Oomi, deputy director general of the organizing committee, acknowledged the inconvenience caused, he also stated that some requests for shuttle buses were made after the reservation deadline, making it impossible to arrange them in some cases. He also mentioned that errors in accommodation lists and additional requests delayed some arrangements. Oomi insisted that the committee was diligently implementing the transportation and lodging plans prepared in advance, asserting that meals were provided by the respective sports federations, not by the organizing committee.",
  "summary": "Complaints have been mounting from participating nations over the management of the 2026 Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya, sparked by a series of blunders including national anthem mix-ups and unassigned shuttle buses.",
  "key_points": [
    "Anthem played during field hockey match due to staff error",
    "Shuttle bus failure interrupts men's basketball final",
    "Management criticized as 'immature' by South Korean media"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}