New Delhi: India’s contingent at the Asian Games is facing significant logistical challenges, with athletes reportedly struggling with training arrangements, food, transportation and accommodation ahead of the competition.
Members of India’s shooting contingent are reportedly spending more than two hours travelling to their training venue. Once there, facilities are also said to be limited, with drinking water reportedly being the only adequate provision available at some venues.
Accommodation has emerged as another major concern. Several rooms booked for Indian athletes and officials were reportedly cancelled, leaving some members of the contingent waiting for hours at the airport before accommodation could be arranged.
To address the shortage, India’s Chef de Mission has reportedly arranged 15 additional rooms for members of the contingent.
The rowing team has also encountered difficulties since arriving at the Games. Members of the contingent reportedly waited for nearly six hours before local residents helped them arrange accommodation and food.
Preparations at the rowing venue have also been affected by poor weather, with conditions reportedly making it difficult to get the facility ready for competition.
The problems have raised concerns over the overall arrangements for the Games, particularly given the scale of the event. More than 11,000 athletes from over 45 countries are expected to participate.
The Asian Games began in 1951 in New Delhi, while the previous edition was held in Hangzhou in 2023. The Hangzhou Games attracted around 12,000 athletes after being postponed by a year due to the pandemic.
Unlike previous editions, the current Games do not have a dedicated athletes’ village. Around 5,000 athletes and officials are expected to stay aboard the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena, while others will be accommodated in hotels and temporary wooden structures.
Organizers had initially planned facilities for around 15,000 athletes and officials, but the number reportedly increased to about 17,000 by August. Accommodation has been guaranteed for participants registered before the July deadline, while late arrivals have been left to make their own arrangements.
