The organisers of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have formally apologised for transport and accommodation problems faced by athletes and team officials during the Games.
AINAGOC Secretary General Satoshi Murate acknowledged the issues at a press conference and said the organising committee accepts responsibility for providing the relevant services.
According to Reuters, the number of participants has risen to around 17,000, following a late influx of athletes and officials — approximately 2,000 more than initially projected. The unexpected increase has placed additional pressure on accommodation and transport services.
The situation has resulted in complaints from athletes and team officials over transport delays, cramped rooms and beds that were too small for some athletes.
“There have been mistakes in accommodation and transport, for various reasons,” Murate said, adding that regardless of the cause, AINAGOC is responsible for providing the services. He apologised for the shortcomings and said organisers were working to identify the causes of the problems and prevent them from happening again.
The logistical problems have affected several teams. Reuters reported that the Mongolian women’s basketball team had to cancel a training session after its team bus failed to arrive.
The South Korean delegation had also raised concerns over accommodation and transport. Its men’s basketball team was moved from temporary accommodation to hotels after complaints about cramped rooms and beds that were too short. The team also had a training session cancelled after its scheduled shuttle bus failed to arrive.
Unlike previous Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 does not have a traditional Athletes’ Village. Organisers are instead using a combination of hotels, temporary accommodation units and a chartered cruise ship to house athletes and officials.
Despite the logistical challenges, the Games are continuing as scheduled. Organisers have said that improving accommodation and transport services remains a priority for the remainder of the competition.
