Accommodation shortages and unique logistical hurdles are impacting the Asian Games across Nagoya and the wider Aichi area, with local organisers grappling to house more than 17,000 athletes and officials. The scale of the delegation has surpassed initial local projections of 15,000, forcing a reliance on unconventional lodging solutions including a cruise ship and temporary wooden containers.
Logistical Hurdles and Unconventional Lodging
With no dedicated athletes’ village constructed for the event, organisers are utilizing the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena alongside temporary wooden shipping container-style huts and regional hotels to cut costs. According to event organizers, the Costa Serena is scheduled to arrive in Nagoya to house between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes, while about 2,000 participants are assigned to the container huts in the Garden Pier area.
Did you know? More than 17,000 athletes and officials are expected for the Nagoya events, giving the regional competition a larger total headcount than the Olympic Games.
Delegation Concerns and Weather Disruptions
Delegations from participating nations have reported strains on the regional housing supply. A South Korean Sport and Olympic Committee official told AFP that their team encountered serious accommodation shortages affecting delegations from around the world in the Aichi-Nagoya area. Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino told AFP that while all his country’s athletes received beds, some officials and coaches were relocated to separate hotels and Airbnbs.
Quality concerns have also surfaced regarding the temporary structures. South Korean basketball player Byeon Jun-hyeong shared social media footage depicting a leaking sink and soaked floor inside his container hut, accompanied by a plea for help. Adding to the logistical strain, hundreds of athletes staying at the Garden Pier area were temporarily evacuated for approximately two hours due to record rainfall lashing Nagoya, with further rain forecasted for the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no athletes’ village for the event?
Organisers opted against building a dedicated village to cut costs, choosing instead to utilize a cruise ship, hotels, and temporary wooden containers.
Where are the swimming and equestrian events taking place?
Swimming, diving, and equestrian events are being hosted in Tokyo, utilizing existing hotel infrastructure.
How many people are staying on the cruise ship?
Between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes are accommodated aboard the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena.
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