Games-Despite logistical problems, OCA says Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are a success

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said on Sunday ​that a near 20% jump in revenue, strong viewership ​figures and a slew of world records proved ‌the ​Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games were a success, despite logistical problems plaguing the multi-sport showpiece.

The number of participants ballooned to 17,000 following a flurry of late entries — around 2,000 more than projected. With ‌no dedicated Athletes' Village, participants were housed in a mix of hotels, container-style living units and a cruise ship.

Satoshi Murate, secretary general if the organising committee, apologised after the unexpected increase strained accommodation and transport networks, prompting complaints from athletes and team officials over ‌cramped rooms and small beds. However, OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam pointed to the 54 world, 11 junior world and 89 ‌continental records set at the Games as evidence of effective organisation.

"This achievement does not come without the best environment," the Kuwaiti, who is also president of World Aquatics, told reporters at a press conference on the final day of the Games. "The athletes cannot perform if they don't have transportation. The athletes cannot ⁠perform ​if they don't have good healthcare. ⁠The athletes cannot perform if they don't eat food. Number talks, it's evidence. We are here to present you the evidence."

He added that at a time ⁠when the Games must be sustainable and financially viable, the Aichi-Nagoya model was one worth copying. "We are happy to see that there is ​no big financial burden in the organising committee, and there is no white elephant staying in Nagoya or any place."

The ⁠revenue increase, measured against the Games in Hangzhou three years ago, came mainly from digital growth and stronger viewership figures, with India's hockey and cricket matches ⁠against ​Pakistan drawing large TV audiences, OCA officials said. Al-Musallam also said the Games had provided a moment of unity during a time of geopolitical turmoil.

"When you look to the news, conflict everywhere - in Asia, outside Asia," he said. "Economic problems everywhere. But look ⁠at Asia, how united we are in sport." Tayyab Ikram, chairman of the Games Coordination Committee, acknowledged the logistical problems but said ⁠they had overcome them by working ⁠together.

"There is no Games without challenges. There is no Games without initial interruptions," said Ikram, who also heads the International Hockey Federation. "In future, we would like to see more sustainable solution, ‌more improvement and innovation ... ‌but without compromising on the athletes' conditions."