Athletes of India in the athletes’ parade during the opening ceremony of Asian Games at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Nagoya, Japan on September 19, 2026. — Reuters

NAGOYA: Indians living in Japan have offered to accommodate Indian athletes in their homes if the shortage of suitable accommodation continues during the Asian Games.

The Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture on Saturday, with more than 17,000 athletes and officials taking part.

Japan decided not to build a traditional athletes’ village to reduce costs. Instead, athletes have been accommodated in hotels, temporary wooden huts and a cruise ship.

However, some athletes have reportedly raised concerns about the temporary accommodation, including limited storage space and small beds.

India has sent nearly 500 athletes to the Games. Indian officials said some athletes have already been moved from temporary huts to hotels, while contingency plans are in place if more hotel rooms are needed.

“We have booked hotels for our athletes here,” India’s chef de mission and Indian Olympic Association treasurer Sahdev Yadav told AFP.

“If the hotel rooms fall short, then yes, we have Indian households here on standby to accommodate the athletes,” he said.

Yadav added that Indian families in Japan were happy to welcome the athletes into their homes.

Reports said the Indian Embassy in Japan had contacted around 2,000 Indian families in Nagoya, with some willing to provide accommodation if required.

Asian Games organisers have defended the accommodation arrangements, saying they are safe, cost-effective and comfortable.

The Games are expected to continue in Nagoya and Aichi with athletes competing across a wide range of sports.