Games-South Korea Olympic boss gives Asian Games organisers an 'F'


Asian Games - Aichi-Nagoya 2026 - Basketball - Women's - Group A - Indonesia v Thailand - Aichi International Arena, Nagoya, Japan - September 17, 2026 General view of clouds outside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Edgar Su

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept 24 (Reuters) - ⁠The head of the South Korean Olympic committee on ⁠Thursday blastedorganisers of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, saying he would ‌give them a failing mark for operational issues at the multi-sport event.

Problems with accommodations and transportation had affected South Korean teams and Ryu Seung-min told South ​Korean media in Nagoya that he was ⁠sure other countries felt the ⁠same way.

"If I were to give them (Aichi-Nagoya) a grade, it would ⁠be ‌an 'F' .... If athletes' performances are affected, then we have to be critical," he added.

"If problems like this persist, ⁠then it is serious incompetence."

Finding beds were too short ​in wooden container ‌accommodations provided, South Korea moved their men's basketball team ⁠into hotels. Local ​organisers defended the athletes' accommodation on Thursday.

Several South Korean teams have also reported shuttle buses not showing up or taking athletes to the ⁠wrong venue.

A former Olympic table tennis champion, ​Ryu said Aichi-Nagoya compared poorly to other Asian Games and international events he had attended as an athlete and an official.

The Aichi-Nagoya organising ⁠committee and Olympic Council of Asia did not provide immediate comment when contacted by Reuters about Ryu's criticism.

Takaaki Omi, the deputy secretary-general of this year's event, on Tuesday apologised to athletes and ​officials who had been impacted by organisational ⁠problems.

South Korea's team chef de mission told Reuters this week the ​delegation had requested a formal apology from ‌organisers and blamed cost-cutting for impacting ​the athlete experience.

The Asian Games run until October 4.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Nagoya, Japan; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Others

Games-Philippines trailblazer Yulo adds Asian Games gold to Olympic success in gymnastics
CDM Sumali upbeat as Malaysia hit halfway mark, urges team to keep pushing
Games-Organisers defend Asian accommodation as residents question cramped huts
Thailand slams chaotic Asian Games organisation as 'musical chairs'
Malaysia's regu team reach final to face Thai rivals in bid to end 36-year gold wait
Australian Rules-Fremantle eye first AFL premiership as Brisbane chase three-peat
Taj sets the hearts racing
Clement breaks 24-year drought to win men’s wushu medal
Cool under pressure
Takraw team to treat semis clash with Indonesia as battle of equals

Others Also Read