Asian Games 2026: Sharath Kamal Says India Athletes Ready for Unique Stay

India’s deputy chef-de-mission A Sharath Kamal has said the country’s athletes are prepared to handle the unusual accommodation arrangements at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. India’s 501 athletes and 265 officials will be spread across converted shipping containers, a cruise ship and commercial hotels.

Around 4,000-5,000 athletes are expected to stay aboard the Costa Serena, docked at Nagoya Port, while nearly 2,000 will use converted container accommodation at Garden Pier in Nagoya Bay. Others will stay in hotels near competition venues across Aichi, with some events also scheduled in Tokyo.

Sharath said the Sports Authority of India had arranged container facilities at several training centres so athletes could experience the setup before travelling to Japan. Similar preparations were made to familiarise them with cruise-ship living. He said athletes had been briefed about the arrangements and should adjust quickly.

The accommodation model has drawn concerns from some participating contingents, including South Korea, over room sizes and facilities. Some Asian Cricket Council members have also questioned aspects of the arrangements. Sharath noted that officials did not receive the same opportunity to acclimatise to container accommodation.

India will field several prominent athletes, including Manu Bhaker, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu and Neeraj Chopra. Shooting, athletics, badminton, archery, wrestling, weightlifting, hockey and cricket will be among the key medal events for the contingent. The Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

Published: 1h ago

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