NAGOYA, September 17, 2026: Organisers of the 2026 Asian Games are working to address complaints over athlete accommodation in Nagoya and surrounding areas.

More than 17,000 athletes and officials are expected for the Games, which officially open on Saturday.

Organisers decided against building a dedicated athletes’ village. Instead, they are using hotels, temporary wooden accommodation and the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena.

The arrangements have drawn complaints from several teams.

South Korea Raises Concerns Over Temporary Huts

South Korean officials have criticised the temporary cabin-style accommodation.

They said some beds were too short for taller athletes.

South Korea basketball player Byeon Jun-hyeong also posted a video showing a leaking sink and water on the floor of his accommodation.

The video was accompanied by a plea for help.

About 2,000 athletes and officials are expected to stay in the temporary huts.

Hundreds of athletes were also briefly evacuated from accommodation last week after heavy rainfall hit Nagoya. AFP reported that about 104 millimetres of rain fell in one hour in parts of the city.

Organisers Promise to Address Complaints

Asian Games organising committee president Hideaki Omura said officials were responding to complaints from teams.

He said organisers were improving facilities as issues emerged.

Omura also said former athletes and Olympians had reviewed the temporary accommodation before the Games.

Organisers have maintained that the facilities can provide suitable accommodation for participants.

Earlier reports said the number of participants rose from an initial estimate of 15,000 to more than 17,000. The increase added pressure to the accommodation plan.

Karachi Police Arrest Suspect in Surjani Town Mother, Three Children Murder Case

Costa Serena to House 4,000 Participants

The Italian cruise ship Costa Serena arrived in Nagoya on Tuesday.

Around 4,000 athletes and officials will stay on the vessel during the Games.

The ship has around 1,500 cabins and will serve as a temporary athletes’ village during the event.

The use of a cruise ship at this scale is a first for the Asian Games, according to Yonhap.

Organisers are also monitoring weather conditions because Japan is experiencing the typhoon season.

Omura said the safety of athletes and officials remained the priority.

Ticket Sales Vary Across Sports

The Games will feature athletes from 45 countries and territories competing in more than 40 sports.

Omura said ticket sales were progressing well for major events.

However, he acknowledged weaker demand for some less familiar sports.

Cricket is among the events facing lower ticket demand in Japan, where the sport has a limited following.

Omura said the participation of major cricket teams could help introduce the sport to Japanese audiences.

Games Aim to Promote Regional Ties

Several events, including basketball and football, have already started ahead of the opening ceremony.

Omura said he hoped the Games would strengthen ties among Asian countries through sport.

The 20th Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya and run through October 4.

The event marks the third time Japan has hosted the Asian Games.