Tall athletes can’t stretch their legs in container beds at Asian Games, official says

Tall athletes can't stretch their legs in container beds at Asian Games, official says. "Athletes who are over two metres (6ft 7in) tall cannot even stretch their legs out on the beds.

What happened

South Korea's delegation slams the wooden containers housing its athletes at the Asian Games in Nagoya city. Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, These container houses are expected to house around 2,000 athletes at the Asian Games in JapanByKoh EwePublished27 minutes agoWooden container huts meant for thousands of athletes have become the subject of heated criticism ahead of the opening of Japan's Asian Games on Saturday. Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, As well as the container huts, thousands of athletes will be staying on board this Italian cruiselinerUnlike the Olympic Games, where there is usually a designated athletes' village, organisers have opted to use temporary accommodation for competitors.

Initially, 15,000 athletes and officials had been expected to attend the Games. "But last month, organisers and the Olympic Council of Asia said all "17,000-plus" athletes and officials who had registered before the deadline in July have been provided with "Games-appropriate accommodation". Though basketball and football matches have already started, the Asian Games officially begin on Saturday and will end on 4 October. Related topicsAsiaJapanMore on this storyAsian Games hosts say all athletes will have roomsPublished28 AugustWhy Asian gold is within reach for India's women hockey teamPublished1 day ago

The wider picture

"The Games, held in the city of Nagoya and wider Aichi prefecture, have faced weeks of concern about a potential shortage of beds. More than 17,000 athletes and officials are attending – exceeding the initial 15,000 expected. "Athletes were also briefly evacuated from the containers as record rainfall lashed Nagoya last week and caused widespread flooding. Jung, the basketball official, told AFP that concerns over accommodation were shared by representatives from the other countries at the Games.

"The final preparations are all on track and progressing smoothly ahead of what promises to be the most spectacular Asian Games held for generations," their statement read. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino told AFP that while all the country's athletes have secured a bed, some officials and coaches were staying in "different hotels and Airbnb". The containers, which will be housing around 2,000 of the guests and are designed to be reused as disaster evacuation facilities, have been beset by complaints.

Indian authorities have built replicas of the huts to get their athletes used to living in them.

What has been reported

They were "taking concrete steps to improve the environment for the athletes", he said. Beyond the container huts, between 4,000 and 5,000 participants will be staying on an Italian cruise ship which docked in Nagoya on Tuesday. Hideaki Omura, president of the organising committee and Governor of Aichi Prefecture, previously said authorities had set aside a budget for 15,000 people and had "neither the manpower nor the budget to make the necessary arrangements" for the additional athletes. Jung Jae-yong, vice-president of the Korea Basketball Association, told AFP news agency the accommodation was the "worst it has ever been".

A member of the South Korea basketball team posted a video of a leaking pipe and soaked floor in his room, with the caption: "Please help me. Water leakage was reported in some of the competition venues too. Accommodation manager Yuta Matsuo told Reuters the hosts were "fully aware of the dissatisfaction and concerns voiced by the athlete delegations". The rest of the attendees will stay in hotels.

What happens next

But in mid-August the Olympic Council of Asia said the number would be closer to 17,000 after teqball – which combines elements of football and table tennis – and padel were included. If they still wish to come, they will have to make their own arrangements.