For the first time in Asian Games history, the 2026 edition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will not feature a traditional Games Village. Instead, athletes and officials will be accommodated in hotels and cruise ships. This announcement was made by former Japan Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda during the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Cruise ships and hotels for accommodation
Takeda, who is also the vice president of the 2026 Asian Games, explained that the event will be co-hosted by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya city. Due to the geographical distribution, the organisers decided against building a Games Village. “We have arranged for cruise ships to accommodate 4,000 athletes and officials, in addition to hotel rooms,” Takeda said, outlining the accommodation plans.
Concerns between the members over the move
The decision to withhold a Games Village has not been well received by some OCA members. Representatives from Kuwait and Palestine expressed concerns, arguing that the move is not in line with the spirit of the Games. OCA president Randhir Singh also voiced his dissatisfaction, emphasising the importance of having all athletes together in one place. “Village life is crucial to foster camaraderie among the youth,” Singh noted.
Participation numbers may Be Reduced
In response to the logistical challenges, Randhir Singh hinted that the OCA might reduce the number of participants in team and individual events. He suggested limiting football teams to the top 8 and restricting representation to two or three athletes per country in individual sports to manage the scale of the event effectively.
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