Indian athletes reportedly arrived at the 2026 Asian Games without breakfast, raising questions about arrangements for the visiting contingent
Indian athletes preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan reportedly faced delays in hotel check-in and a lack of breakfast after arriving ahead of the continental sporting event.
The athletics contingent reached its accommodation in Tsukuba on Sunday morning, local time, but had to wait more than four hours before rooms were made available, according to reports published on Wednesday. The team reportedly arrived at around 10 am and experienced difficulties settling in.
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The athletes also reportedly did not receive breakfast after their arrival
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The incident has raised questions about the arrangements made for the Indian contingent as it prepares for competition in Aichi-Nagoya
Accommodation arrangements have added to the logistical concerns. The men’s and women’s athletics teams, along with their coaches, are staying in three separate hotels. The properties are reportedly more than four kilometres from the training facility in Tsukuba, creating additional travel requirements for athletes preparing for their events.
The reports come as India prepares for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4. The event will bring together athletes from across Asia in 43 sports.
India is sending a sizeable contingent to the Games, with athletics among the disciplines in which the country is seeking medals. The team includes experienced competitors such as Avinash Sable, who is set to defend his men’s 3,000m steeplechase title won at the Hangzhou Games in 2023.
Sable recently returned to competitive action after a lengthy injury lay-off and is preparing for his title defence in Japan. His comeback is among the stories drawing attention to India’s athletics campaign.
The reported arrival difficulties have brought attention to the importance of accommodation, food and transport arrangements for athletes in the final days before competition begins.
