Indian Families in Japan Ready to Host Asian Games Athletes Amid Accommodation Shortage
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Indian families living in Japan have reportedly offered to accommodate Indian athletes if hotel rooms become difficult to secure during the 2026 Asian Games.
The Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture on Saturday, September 19, with thousands of athletes and officials arriving in Japan for the competition.
No Traditional Athletes’ Village
Japan decided not to build a conventional athletes’ village as part of its effort to control the cost of hosting the Games. Instead, competitors and officials are being accommodated across hotels, temporary wooden container-style units and a cruise ship.
However, some athletes have raised concerns about the temporary accommodation. Complaints have included limited storage space for sports equipment and beds that are considered too small.
Around 17,000 athletes and officials are expected to take part in the Games.
India Makes Backup Arrangements
India has sent nearly 500 athletes to the Asian Games and has already shifted some competitors from temporary huts to hotels.
Indian officials have also prepared a backup plan in case hotel availability becomes more limited as additional athletes and support staff arrive.
Sahdev Yadav, India’s chef de mission for the Asian Games and treasurer of the Indian Olympic Association, said hotels had already been booked for the country’s athletes.
He added that Indian households in Japan were ready to provide accommodation if hotel rooms became insufficient.
According to reports, the Indian embassy in Japan helped contact around 2,000 Indian families in Nagoya. Some of these families have reportedly expressed their willingness to host athletes in their homes.
Organisers Defend Accommodation Plan
Asian Games organisers have maintained that the accommodation arrangements are safe, cost-effective and comfortable.
The decision to use a combination of hotels, temporary facilities and a cruise ship is part of Japan’s effort to manage the event without constructing a traditional athletes’ village.
With more competitors and support personnel expected to arrive in the coming days, India will continue monitoring the accommodation situation and its alternative arrangements.
