2026 Asian Games to Skip Traditional Village; Athletes to Stay in Hotels and Cruise Ships

In an unprecedented move, the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will forgo the traditional Games Village, opting instead to house athletes in hotels and cruise ships. This decision, announced during the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia, has met with mixed reactions from various officials.

For the first time, the 2026 Asian Games will not feature a Games Village, with athletes set to be housed in hotels and on cruise ships. Tsunekazu Takeda, former president of the Japan Olympic Committee, revealed this during the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia on Sunday.

The Games, co-hosted by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, will require alternate housing due to logistical challenges. Takeda, who is also the vice president of the 2026 Asian Games, stated, "We have arranged for cruise ships for 4,000 athletes and officials besides hotel rooms."

However, the decision has sparked concerns among some Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) members, including those from Kuwait and Palestine, who believe it undermines the spirit of the Games. Newly-elected OCA president Randhir Singh also expressed reservations, emphasizing the importance of a collective village atmosphere for athletes.

(With inputs from agencies.)