Asian Games Accommodation Sparks Controversy Amidst Player Complaints

Kathmandu. Controversy has erupted over the accommodation arrangements for players before the 20th Asian Games (Asiad) starting Saturday in Japan. In the temporary wooden container accommodations built for the players and officials participating in the competition to be held in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, problems of cramped space, short beds, leaking water, and wet floors have surfaced. Jung Jae-yong, Vice President of the South Korean Basketball Association, told AFP that players taller than two meters cannot even stretch their legs on the beds, the BBC has reported. He complained that the accommodation arrangements were not adequate. A member of the South Korean team had publicly shared a video of water leaking from a pipe in his room and the floor being wet, seeking help. Last week, due to heavy rainfall and floods in Nagoya, players staying in the containers had to be evacuated for some time. It is reported that water has leaked in some competition venues as well. Initially, 15,000 players and officials were estimated to participate in the Asiad. However, with the addition of new sports, the number of participants has exceeded 17,000. This has put additional pressure on accommodation management. Organizers have arranged container accommodation for about two thousand people. Other participants will be housed in hotels and cruise ships. Yuta Matsuo, responsible for accommodation management, stated that the organizers are aware of the complaints from players and delegations and are taking necessary steps to improve the living environment. Although the basketball and football games have already started, the official opening ceremony of the Asiad will be on Saturday. The competition will continue until October 4.