South Korean officials decry ‘worst ever’ Asian Games accommodation

Organisers in Japan say they had ‘neither the manpower nor the budget’ to deal with the accommodation shortage.Accommodation at the Asian Games, which start this week in Japan, is the “worst ever”, say South Korean officials, warning of “a serious shortage” of rooms.Beds in shipping container-style huts are too short for players to stretch out, the South Korean basketball chief said on Monday, while officials from the Philippines resorted to Airbnb.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Cricket turns political again as India do not accept Asia Cup trophylist 2 of 4Qatar beat Iran in men’s basketball as Asian Games begin in Japanlist 3 of 4Asian Games athletes forced to evacuate amid record rainfall in Japanlist 4 of 4Cricketers to get best rooms at Asian Games 2026, says Japanese officialend of listThere is no dedicated athletes’ village for the games, with organisers instead relying on a cruise ship, temporary wooden cabins and hotels to cut costs.The games in the city of Nagoya in Aichi prefecture officially open on Saturday, but football and basketball are already under way.Jung Jae-yong, vice president of the Korea Basketball Association (KBA), expressed his displeasure with the cabins where the men’s basketball team is staying.“Based on my experience, this is the worst it has ever been,” he said.“Athletes who are over two metres tall cannot even stretch their legs out on the beds. It’s unreasonable.”Byeon Jun-hyeong, from the basketball team, posted a video on social media showing a leaking sink and a soaked floor in his hut.“Please help us,” he posted.The huts are set to be home to 2,000 athletes and officials over the more than two weeks of the games.Worried about their athletes, Indian sports officials built replicas of cabins to help them get used to the games’ accommodation.KBA’s Jung accused organisers of failing to respond to South Korea’s concerns.“The organisers have still not said anything,” he said.“We are very concerned and discussing extensively with the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee what to do about this.”