As the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games face ongoing controversies over accommodation and transport issues, the organizing committee has stated that these problems do not significantly disrupt the competition. However, there have been repeated instances of athletes facing training delays due to shuttle bus issues, leading to criticism that the committee's explanations are disconnected from reality.
Yuta Matsuo, deputy director in charge of accommodation for the organizing committee, addressed the concerns raised by various national teams during a briefing at the main press center in Nagoya on September 24. He stated, "We are listening to the athletes' voices and responding accordingly," adding that they have a flexible operational system in place to meet the teams' needs.
Matsuo also responded to complaints that the beds provided in the athletes' village are too short for taller athletes. He explained that the organizing committee had considered the potential discomfort for larger athletes during the design phase and has implemented a separate mechanism to extend bed lengths.
Regarding the shuttle bus operations, which have drawn the most criticism, Matsuo identified differing requests from various teams as a source of confusion. Some teams requested changes to their late-night transport schedules, leading to unforeseen complications. He noted that while vehicles were assigned, there were instances where athletes did not arrive at the designated pick-up locations.
Despite these explanations, significant transport issues have persisted at the event. The South Korean men's basketball team was unable to conduct a scheduled training session before their final match against Japan due to a delayed shuttle bus. Similarly, the soccer team faced disruptions when a bus driver mistakenly took them to the wrong location.
In response to ongoing issues, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) arranged for external buses at additional cost when conditions did not improve for the baseball team. The Vietnamese women's volleyball team also encountered problems upon arrival, as their bus dropped them off at a different hotel, forcing athletes to carry their luggage to their accommodations. Additionally, a bus arrived 90 minutes late before a match, delaying the start time.
Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Council, criticized the organizing committee's response. He told domestic reporters that while conditions have improved since the beginning of the event, issues related to accommodation, transport, and training environments continue to affect athletes' preparations for competition. As the organizing committee maintains that there are no significant operational problems, dissatisfaction on the ground remains palpable.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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