Challenges Faced by Indian Athletes at the 2026 Asian Games

Initial Issues for Indian Athletes

Sahdev Yadav, the Chef de Mission for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, has acknowledged some early challenges regarding accommodation, accreditation, and transportation for Indian athletes in Japan. He mentioned that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has proactively arranged travel and lodging for its athletes due to reported logistical difficulties. The Indian team has secured extra hotel rooms and organized transport for its members, with 18 rooms already booked and plans to reserve 10 more.

Addressing Accommodation Concerns

"Everyone has a place to stay, and we are not facing any issues on our end. There were some initial challenges, which led us to book an additional hotel. Our team is heading directly to the airport. The accreditation process is quite lengthy and is being conducted on a cruise, which is causing delays. While there are some transportation challenges, we have arranged our own vehicles and accommodations for our athletes. We have already secured 18 rooms and will book another 10 today. There is indeed a shortage of accommodation," Yadav informed reporters.

Focus on Athlete Welfare

Yadav emphasized that the primary goal is to address the athletes' concerns, ensuring their comfort so they can concentrate on their performance and aim for medals. "There has been some mismanagement, but given the scale of this event, such issues can arise. However, we prefer not to dwell on who is to blame. Our main focus is to care for our athletes, resolve their issues, and ensure they are comfortable and well-supported. We want them to concentrate on their performance, achieve success, and then have time to relax. That is our objective, and we are committed to it," he added.

Accommodation Quota Adjustments

Yadav also noted that upon their arrival, India's accommodation quota was unexpectedly reduced, compelling the team to find additional hotels on short notice. "When we got here, we learned that our accommodation quota had been cut. Therefore, we had to arrange for extra hotels within a day," he concluded.