Seoul:The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, concluding on Sunday with over 15,000 athletes and officials, faced criticism due to operational issues, especially concerning accommodations and transportation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, before the event commenced on September 19, concerns were raised regarding accommodation shortages and subpar lodging conditions for athletes. To cut costs and reduce environmental impact, the organizers opted not to build a dedicated athletes' village, instead housing participants in hotels, a cruise ship, and temporary container units. This arrangement accommodated 9,000 athletes in hotels, 4,000 on the Costa Serena cruise ship, and 2,000 in wooden container units.
Among the South Korean delegation, approximately 1,000 members from five sports, including men's basketball, ju-jitsu, and cycling, were assigned to the container village. Complaints emerged about leaking water and inadequate bed sizes for taller athletes, as noted by basketball player Byeon Jun-hyeong. On the Costa Serena, athletes expressed dissatisfaction with the meals, with weightlifter Park Hye-jeong reporting significant weight loss due to the food quality, despite winning a silver medal.
Transportation problems persisted throughout the competition, affecting athletes' schedules and performances. Issues included the South Korean football team arriving late for a match against Qatar and a delayed training session due to bus errors. The men's basketball team missed a practice session before their final against Japan, and the men's volleyball team also faced training disruptions. A mix-up on September 28 led to the South Korean team's bus being mistakenly assigned to the Pakistani team, further complicating schedules.
Additional controversies included the playing of the North Korean anthem instead of South Korea's during a men's hockey match on September 18 and the improper raising of the South Korean flag during the men's football final medal ceremony. South Korea won gold in the event against Japan.
Other nations, including China and Vietnam, also reported operational difficulties. The Costa Serena's welcome ceremony, featuring historical figures Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Oda Nobunaga, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, sparked controversy due to Hideyoshi's historical invasions of Korea. This prompted the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee to file a formal complaint with the Asian Games organizers and the Olympic Council of Asia.
KSOC president Ryu Seung-min criticized the event's organization, suggesting the organizers deserved "a failing grade." Experts attribute these issues to public and governmental indifference and cost-saving measures. In response, the OCA is considering strategies to enhance the Games' prestige and popularity, such as scheduling them before the Summer Olympics and incorporating Olympic qualifiers to attract elite athletes.