Asian Games accommodation crisis exposes planning strain in Nagoya

South Korean officials have condemned accommodation arrangements for the Asian Games in Nagoya, describing them as the “worst ever” and warning of a serious shortage of rooms.

The Games have no dedicated athletes’ village. Organisers are instead using temporary wooden cabins, hotels and the Costa Serena cruise ship to house more than 17,000 athletes and officials — above the initial estimate of 15,000.

Jung Jae-yong, vice-president of the Korea Basketball Association, said beds in the container-style cabins were too short for athletes taller than two metres. A video posted by South Korean basketball player Byeon Jun-hyeong appeared to show a leaking sink and a soaked floor in one cabin.

The accommodation complaints come as organisers face pressure over capacity and logistics. They previously said they lacked the manpower and budget to manage the higher-than-expected numbers, while the Olympic Council of Asia said everyone would receive a place to stay.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino said all Philippine athletes had been allocated rooms, but some officials, including coaches, had been moved between hotels and Airbnb properties. Hundreds of athletes were also briefly evacuated after record rainfall in Nagoya, with further rain forecast.

The Costa Serena is due to arrive in Nagoya on Tuesday, carrying between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes. The Games officially open on Saturday, although football and basketball have already begun. Al Jazeera reported that the remaining participants would be accommodated in hotels, including in Tokyo for events such as swimming, diving and equestrian competitions.