Asian Games logistics complaints expose strains on host operations
Athletes reported transport, accommodation and scheduling problems at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, while rain disrupted events and organisers acknowledged logistical mistakes.
Athletes at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have reported transport errors, cramped accommodation and scheduling problems, adding operational pressure for organisers as weather disrupts competition.
Indian badminton player PV Sindhu said she played three matches in 18 hours, with an early return to her hotel followed by a morning start. She said the schedule took a toll; she later exited in the quarter-finals.
Transport problems affected several teams. Pakistan’s volleyball players were taken to the wrong gym before a match, while South Korean basketball and football teams reported shuttle or bus issues. Pakistan captain Murad Jehan also criticised conditions in a video that has since been deleted.
Rain washed out the Pakistan-Hong Kong and India-Afghanistan men’s cricket quarter-finals. With no rain contingency in the schedule, Pakistan and India advanced under the tournament rankings rule. Rain and poor conditions also interrupted tennis and surfing.
The Aichi-Nagoya organising committee apologised for accommodation and transport mistakes. Secretary-general Satoshi Murate attributed pressure on resources to an unexpected influx of about 2,000 athletes and officials, and said services had improved. Athletes have been housed in hotels, temporary units and a cruise ship rather than a traditional athletes’ village.
A typhoon was forecast to bring possible further disruption, though its impact on the Games remained uncertain.
