2026 Asian Games Will Lack Games Village

The 2026 Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will break tradition by not featuring a Games Village, instead accommodating athletes in hotels and on cruise ships. Tsunekazu Takeda, former president of the Japan Olympic Committee, announced this decision during the Olympic Council of Asia's 44th General Assembly, citing logistical challenges due to the two host locations. Approximately 4,000 athletes and officials will be housed on cruise ships and in hotels. This arrangement has faced criticism from several OCA members, including representatives from Kuwait and Palestine, who argue it undermines the spirit of the Games by not fostering a communal atmosphere. Newly-elected OCA president Randhir Singh echoed these concerns, suggesting that the village experience is vital for youth camaraderie. Additionally, Singh hinted at possible reductions in team sizes and individual event participants to streamline the Games, which has sparked further debate about inclusiveness.