PT Usha Addresses Accommodation Issues for Indian Athletes at Asian Games 2026
Resolution of Accommodation Challenges
On Tuesday, PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), announced that the accommodation issues faced by the Indian team during the early days of the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya have been successfully resolved. Athletes are now comfortable and enjoying their experience at the Games. Initially, the Indian contingent encountered significant accommodation challenges upon their arrival in Japan, with some athletes and officials reportedly waiting over 14 hours for room assignments, while others were stranded at the airport for extended periods.
Assurances from PT Usha
After India's women's cricket team clinched gold at the Asian Games, Usha commented that the initial hurdles were part of the adjustment phase. She reassured that measures had been implemented to ensure the athletes' comfort. "Everywhere there are challenges, and it takes a couple of days to settle in. The issues were present here as well during the first two days, but everything is fine now. We have ensured that athletes are comfortable and confident. Team India has taken care of accommodation, whether it's here or elsewhere. We also made sure that players received snacks upon arrival at the airport," PT Usha stated.
Support from the Sports Minister
Usha mentioned that the Sports Minister personally visited to ensure that everything was in place for the athletes. "Things are progressing well, and the players are content. I met with them recently to check for any issues, and they expressed their happiness, stating, 'Now we are enjoying it.' They are also feeling confident," she added.
Additional Arrangements for Athletes
The IOA arranged for extra hotel accommodations for those affected, with assistance from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian diaspora to address the situation. Support was provided for athletes in terms of lodging, meals, and transportation.
India's Women's Cricket Team Triumphs
Usha spoke after India's women's cricket team achieved the nation's first gold medal of the Games, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the women's T20 final. India set a strong total of 216/3 after being asked to bat, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 79 runs off 45 balls, Shafali Verma contributing 48 runs off 29 balls, and Richa Ghosh finishing unbeaten with 49 runs off 22 balls.
Bowling Performance
The Indian bowlers effectively dismissed Sri Lanka for just 69 runs in 15.4 overs. Deepti Sharma led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/6, while Shafali Verma and Shreyanka Patil each took two wickets.
Historic Gold Medal Win
This victory marks India's second consecutive gold medal in women's cricket at the Asian Games, following their success in Hangzhou in 2023. The win also elevates India's overall medal tally to seven, which includes one gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
Recognition of Teqball and MMA Athletes
Usha also commended the performances of Indian athletes in teqball and mixed martial arts (MMA), acknowledging their efforts despite not securing a medal in teqball and Suchika Tariyal's semifinal loss. "Although we did not win a medal in teqball, the athletes performed admirably. This is the first time teqball has been included in the Asian Games. In MMA, Suchika won a bronze medal, but she lost in the semifinals due to a technicality," Usha remarked.
Suchika Tariyal's Achievement
Suchika made history by securing India's first-ever MMA medal at the Asian Games, finishing third in the women's traditional 60kg category. She lost to Singapore's Teo Hui Hoon in a semifinal that went into overtime. Despite her disappointment in not changing the color of her medal, Suchika expressed pride in achieving this historic bronze.
Ongoing Campaign at the Asian Games
India's participation in the Asian Games continues until October 3, with Usha expressing confidence in the contingent as they compete across various disciplines.