'Chaotic' Asian Games threaten Japan hopes of hosting Olympics again
Japan's reputation as a reliable host for international sporting events has been damaged following a series of organizational failures at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Experts suggest these mishaps, including logistical errors and protocol blunders, may negatively impact Japan's future Olympic bidding prospects.
Why it matters
The failure highlights the risks associated with hosting massive international events and the long-term reputational damage that can occur from poor execution.
The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya saw a catalogue of mishaps, from athletes taken to the wrong venues to the North Korean national anthem played for the South Korean hockey team.
Athletes relax on the Costa Serena cruise ship where Asian Games competitors and team members are staying as it is docked at Port Messe Nagoya in Nagoya on Sep 25, 2026. (File photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan)
NAGOYA: Japan is traditionally seen as a reliable host for major sporting events but an Asian Games dogged by organisational woes has tarnished that image and raised questions over future bids, experts say.
The Games in Aichi-Nagoya saw a catalogue of mishaps, from athletes taken to the wrong venues to the North Korean national anthem played for the South Korean hockey team.
There were not enough beds for the over 17,000 athletes and officials, a bigger number than the Olympics.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in