‘Serious shortage’ of rooms disrupts the start of Asian Games

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Organizers of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya have come under criticism from participating teams, particularly South Korean basketball officials, for providing cramped and substandard shipping container-style cabins as lodging for athletes. These accommodation issues, stemming from budget constraints and a larger-than-expected number of participants, have raised concerns about athlete comfort and logistics as the Games continue amid potential weather disruptions.

With the 2026 Asian Games set to officially open on Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, organizers are facing criticism over accommodation arrangements, which some participating teams describe as inadequate and cramped. The Games, which have already begun for sports such as football and basketball, are hosting over 17,000 athletes and officials—more than the number typically seen at the Summer Olympics.

A notable concern has been raised by South Korean basketball officials and athletes regarding the shipping container-style wooden cabins provided for lodging. Jung Jae-yong, vice-president of the Korea Basketball Association, described the conditions as “the worst ever,” citing beds too short for tall athletes, making it difficult for those over two meters tall to stretch out. South Korean player Byeon Jun-hyeong shared footage on social media showing leaks and water damage inside one cabin, expressing frustration with the situation.

These temporary cabins, intended to house approximately 2,000 athletes and officials, replaced the more traditional athletes’ village, which was scrapped due to budget concerns. The original estimate for an athletes’ village reportedly doubled, contributing to the decision to opt for a combination of accommodations including these cabins, hotels, and an Italian cruise ship, the Costa Serena, which is expected to arrive in Nagoya and house between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes.

Indian sports officials reportedly found the cabin conditions concerning enough to build replicas back home to prepare their athletes for the experience. Meanwhile, Philippine officials said while all athletes were provided rooms, some coaches and officials had to be accommodated in hotels and Airbnb rentals due to room shortages.

Local organizers acknowledged the challenges tied to the larger-than-anticipated number of participants, noting initial plans for 15,000 attendees had been exceeded. They cited budget and manpower limitations as factors contributing to accommodation issues. Kazuhiro Yagi, vice-secretary-general of the organizing committee, suggested that the temporary cabins offered a unique, albeit limited, lodging experience, emphasizing that athletes spend much of their time training rather than confined to their quarters.

The event has also faced weather-related disruptions. Last week, heavy rainfall in Nagoya led to the temporary evacuation of hundreds of athletes from their lodgings. Further rain and the potential impact of Japan’s typhoon season remain a concern amid ongoing efforts to manage logistics.

The Olympic Council of Asia assured that all participants would be provided accommodation, though specifics regarding room quality and proximity varied. With games underway and more set to follow in Nagoya as well as Tokyo—where swimming, diving, and equestrian events will take place—the focus now turns to ensuring athletes' needs are met amid these logistical challenges. Asian Games organizers had not issued an immediate response to requests for comment regarding accommodation complaints.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.