Costa Serena: Unique Accommodation for Athletes at Asian Games 2026
Innovative Lodging for Athletes
A large cruise ship is currently serving as accommodation for both Indian and international athletes participating in the Asian Games 2026. With the opening ceremony just hours away, excitement is building for the upcoming events. The vessel, named 'Costa Serena', boasts a gross tonnage of around 114,000 tons and measures 290.2 meters in length, according to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). It features 1,500 cabins and can host up to 3,780 passengers.
Alternative Arrangements Amidst Challenges
This year's Asian Games will not feature a conventional Athletes’ Village. Instead, athletes and officials will be housed on the Costa Serena, in Asian Games 'villas' at nearby Garden Pier, and in various hotels throughout Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, as stated by the OCA. The 2026 Games have already faced reports of mismanagement and accommodation issues affecting athletes.
Government and Community Support
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has implemented a three-tier management system to tackle logistical challenges at the Asian Games in Nagoya. Approximately 2,000 members of the Indian diaspora are ready to provide accommodation for athletes if necessary. The ministry confirmed these arrangements were made in response to reports of mismanagement, with Indian officials collaborating with the diaspora to ensure athletes have no difficulties with lodging, transportation, or other logistics. A ministry source stated, 'Around 2,000 Indian nationals in Nagoya are prepared to open their homes for athletes facing accommodation issues.'
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha in Nagoya to discuss the accommodation challenges some athletes encountered upon their arrival in Japan. Usha shared on her social media, 'Welcomed our Hon'ble Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs Shri @mansukhmandviya ji in Nagoya! Thank you, Sir, for your unwavering support! Your presence will undoubtedly uplift our contingent's morale.'
Addressing Logistical Issues
On Friday, India's chef de mission for the 2026 Asian Games, Sahdev Yadav, recognized the initial accommodation, accreditation, and transportation challenges but assured that measures were being taken to meet the contingent's needs. 'Everyone has accommodation, and there are no issues from our side. There were some initial problems, which is why we booked an additional hotel. Our team is heading directly to the airport. The accreditation process is lengthy and is being conducted on the cruise, which is causing delays. We have arranged our own transportation and accommodations for our athletes, having already booked 18 rooms and planning to secure another 10 today. There is indeed a shortage of accommodation,' Yadav informed reporters.
He further explained that the contingent had to secure extra hotel rooms on short notice after their accommodation quota was unexpectedly reduced upon arrival. 'Upon our arrival, we were informed that our accommodation quota had been cut. Thus, we had to arrange additional hotels within a day,' he noted. Acknowledging the logistical shortcomings, Yadav emphasized that the focus remains on ensuring the athletes' comfort and preparation. 'There has been some mismanagement, but given the scale of this event, such issues can arise. However, our priority is to care for our athletes, resolve their problems, and ensure they are comfortable and well-supported. We want them to concentrate on their performance, win medals, and then relax. That is our goal, and we are working diligently towards it,' he concluded.