New Delhi: The upcoming Asian Games in Japan are facing a major accommodation challenge, with the number of athletes and officials rising beyond the capacity originally planned by organisers. The situation has also raised concerns among cricket teams, including India, over player accommodation and facilities at the competition venue.
The Nagoya Aichi Asian Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4. Organisers had initially planned for around 15,000 athletes and officials, but the number has now increased to approximately 17,000 following the inclusion of teqball and padel.
Unlike the Olympics, the Games will not have a traditional athletes’ village. Organisers are instead relying on hotels, a cruise ship and temporary accommodation. Around 4,000 to 5,000 athletes are expected to stay aboard an Italian cruise ship, while another 2,000 may be housed in temporary facilities.
The accommodation crunch has reportedly led organisers to ask the Olympic Council of Asia to consider reducing the number of participants. The host authorities have maintained that their original agreement and budget were based on a smaller delegation.
Cricket teams are facing additional challenges. India and Pakistan are scheduled to play at Korogi Sports Park, a converted baseball facility being used for the cricket competition. Concerns have emerged over the playing surface, recently prepared pitch and the lack of proper dressing room facilities.
An Asian Cricket Council delegation is expected to inspect the venue before the competition begins on September 17. The ground did host an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier earlier this year.
Player accommodation is another concern for the Indian team. Cricketers are expected to stay around 20 kilometres from the venue, with shared rooms reportedly offering limited space for players and their cricket equipment.
The BCCI is now assessing how best to manage the logistical difficulties ahead of India’s participation in the Asian Games.
