**Title: Asian Games Athletes’ Village Would Have Been a White Elephant, OCA Says**
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has stated that the decision to forego the construction of an Athletes’ Village for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games was a practical choice aimed at avoiding the creation of a "white elephant" after the event concludes. This comment came during a press briefing on Friday, where OCA officials addressed the challenges faced by organizers in accommodating approximately 17,000 athletes and officials.
Initially, the plan for an Athletes’ Village was scrapped as part of cost-control measures. Instead, the organizing committee has opted for a mix of accommodation solutions, including hotels, shipping-container style huts, and even a cruise ship. However, this approach has not been without its drawbacks. Reports have emerged of cramped living conditions and undersized beds, leading to dissatisfaction among some athletes. Notably, Team Japan has expressed concerns over shared accommodations for male and female athletes, prompting them to seek alternative arrangements.
OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam highlighted the complexities of hosting such a large-scale event. "It’s very easy, you can insist on an Athletes’ Village," he remarked. "But at the end of the day, we need to be practical." He emphasized that while an Athletes’ Village may be visually appealing, the long-term utility of such facilities post-Games is a significant consideration.
Tayyab Ikram, head of the OCA Coordination Commission for Aichi-Nagoya, supported this viewpoint, stating that the decision was informed by clear statistics regarding real estate values. "We don’t want to leave a white elephant after the Games here," he said, acknowledging the difficult discussions that led to the final decision. He further noted that the alternatives found for accommodation were unique and tailored to the situation.
The need for flexible accommodation arrangements arose partly due to an unexpected increase in the number of participants. Local organizers had initially anticipated around 15,000 athletes and officials, but the number grew as new sports were added to the program. Al-Musallam pointed out the importance of prioritizing athlete welfare, stating, "We want every athlete to have the possibility and chance to compete."
In addition to accommodation challenges, organizers are also preparing for potential weather disruptions. With a typhoon threatening the Aichi-Nagoya coast, contingency plans are in place to ensure athlete safety. Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa, who also serves as deputy president of the Games, assured that protocols are established for emergencies. "Under normal rainy conditions, the Games will carry on as usual," he stated. However, he noted that in the event of severe weather, arrangements would be made for athlete evacuation, and the cruise ship would be moved offshore if necessary.
The anticipation surrounding the Asian Games is palpable, especially after the Tokyo Olympics faced restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hirosawa remarked on the heightened public interest, stating, "It has been a very long time since Japan has hosted a tournament of this scale with spectators, so public attention is extremely high." He expressed optimism that the venues would be filled with enthusiastic crowds, reflecting a pent-up demand for live sporting events.
As the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games unfold, organizers continue to navigate the complexities of hosting a multi-sport event while ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants. The decisions made regarding accommodation and emergency preparedness will play a crucial role in the overall success of the Games.