The 2026 Asian Games, set to open in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture, are already drawing criticism over the quality of athlete housing. South Korean sports representatives have described the temporary lodging as the “worst ever” and warned that a “serious shortage” of rooms threatens the comfort and safety of participants.
Temporary housing replaces a traditional village
Unlike previous editions, the Nagoya Games do not feature a dedicated athletes’ village. Organisers have instead assembled a mix of a cruise ship, provisional wooden cabins and conventional hotels in an effort to reduce costs. The Italian‑flagged cruise liner Costa Serena is slated to arrive on a Tuesday, where between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes will be accommodated. The remaining competitors and officials will be spread across a network of hotels, including venues in Tokyo that will host swimming, diving and equestrian events.
In total, more than 17,000 athletes and officials are expected to attend, a figure that exceeds the participant count of recent Olympic Games. Organisers originally projected 15,000 attendees and have previously argued that they lack both the manpower and the budget needed to manage a larger influx.
South Korean officials voice strong discontent
Jung Jae‑yong, vice‑president of the Korea Basketball Association (KBA), expressed his frustration on Monday, stating that his personal experience with the cabins housing the men’s basketball team was “the worst it has ever been.” He highlighted that athletes taller than two metres could not fully extend their legs on the beds, calling the situation “unreasonable.”
Further complaints emerged from player Byeon Jun‑hyeong, who posted a video on social media showing a leaking sink and a water‑logged floor inside his container‑style hut. In the caption, he appealed for assistance, writing, “Please help us.” The huts, which are essentially shipping containers converted into sleeping quarters, are intended to host roughly 2,000 athletes and officials for the duration of the more‑than‑two‑week competition.
Jung also accused the Games’ organising committee of ignoring South Korea’s concerns. He noted that officials have not received any response from the organisers and that discussions are ongoing with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) to determine next steps.
Other delegations confront similar hurdles
The accommodation shortfall appears to affect multiple national teams. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino confirmed that all Filipino athletes have been assigned rooms, but added that some coaches and officials have been relocated to other hotels or placed in Airbnb rentals.
Indian officials, aware of the substandard conditions, constructed replica cabins to help their athletes acclimate before arrival. Meanwhile, star cricketers from various nations have voiced concerns about the scarcity of high‑quality hotel options in the host region.
A KSOC spokesperson acknowledged the ongoing challenges, stating, “At the moment there is a serious shortage of accommodation not only for the entire South Korean delegation but for delegations from around the world in the Aichi‑Nagoya area.” The official added that the committee is working to resolve the issue and prevent further problems.
Weather adds another layer of difficulty
Compounding the housing dilemma, record rainfall struck Nagoya last week, prompting the brief evacuation of hundreds of athletes from their temporary quarters. Meteorological forecasts predict additional rain in the coming days, raising concerns about the durability of the wooden cabins and other makeshift facilities.
The Olympic Council of Asia has previously assured that every participant would be provided with a place to stay, despite the organisers’ earlier statements about limited resources. As the Games officially open on Saturday, football and basketball competitions are already underway, while the broader logistical picture continues to evolve.
With the combination of inadequate sleeping arrangements, water damage, and looming weather threats, the Nagoya Asian Games face a critical test of their capacity to deliver a safe and comfortable environment for the continent’s top athletes. The situation remains under close watch by national Olympic committees and the broader international sports community.
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