2026 Asian Games preparations on track despite OCA concerns, says chairman

Preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture are progressing as planned, according to organising committee chairman Hideaki Omura, despite reports of dissatisfaction from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

Japanese media reported that the OCA had raised concerns about the organisers’ adherence to the host city contract, specifically highlighting issues with athlete accommodation and transportation.

Omura, who is also the governor of Aichi, dismissed the concerns during a press briefing on Wednesday. “We are taking this in a calm manner, and my understanding is that preparations are progressing smoothly,” he said.

The OCA reportedly criticised plans to house athletes in container units and on a cruise ship, suggesting these arrangements might not meet the standards required for the Games. As many as 15,000 athletes are expected to participate in the event, which will run from September 19 to October 4, making it even larger in scale than the Olympics.

A spokesman for the organising committee acknowledged feedback from the OCA, saying, “We received opinions on the progress at a coordinating committee in September. We are preparing based on this.” The spokesman added that discussions with the OCA are ongoing “on a daily basis.”

The last edition of the Asian Games took place in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, following a one-year delay due to the pandemic.

(Source: AFP)