The Olympic Council of Asia called the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games a success on closing day, citing records and revenue, while organisers apologised for strained housing and transport.
The 20th Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya reach their scheduled close on Sunday after opening on 19 September. The Olympic Council of Asia said a near 20 percent rise in revenue, strong viewing figures and a run of world records showed the event had worked, despite logistical strain.
Reuters reported that entries pushed the number of participants to 17,000, about 2,000 more than projected. There was no dedicated athletes' village. Teams were housed in hotels, container-style units and a cruise ship. Organising committee secretary general Satoshi Murate apologised after the surge strained rooms and transport and drew complaints about cramped space and small beds.
OCA director general Husain Al-Musallam pointed to records as evidence the competition still functioned. Reuters cited 54 world records, 11 junior world records and 89 continental records. AFP, quoting Al-Musallam, reported a figure of 50 world records and carried his remark that athletes cannot perform without sleep or reliable transport. The two counts were not reconciled in the reports available on Sunday morning.
AFP said China led the medal table with 169 golds and Japan was second with 83. The agency also reported gold for 11-year-old Yuki Kurihara in an esports event, described as believed to be the youngest champion in Games history. Padel, MMA and virtual taekwondo debuted.
Japan is due to hand the Games on to Doha at the closing ceremony. Sporting News said the ceremony was scheduled for 18:00 local time at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Athlete and team officials' complaints about rooms and beds were reported by Reuters.
- Al-Musallam defended the organisation by pointing to records and finances.
- Murate's apology was the organisers' public response to the accommodation strain.