Asian Games organizers seek to reduce participants after registrations top 17,000

The Asian Games scheduled in Nagoya and the Aichi region from September 19 to October 4, 2026, have seen participant registrations rise to about 17,000, surpassing the original projection of 15,000 athletes and officials combined ^{[1, 2, 3]}. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) reported that around 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials have registered so far ^{[1, 2, 3]}.

In response, organizers and the OCA are currently in discussions to reduce the number of participants to manage logistics and accommodations ^{[1, 2, 3]}. The Asian Games organizing committee confirmed, “Yes, the number of registrations has exceeded 15,000, and we are trying to reduce the numbers. We are discussing solutions with the Olympic Council of Asia” ^[2]. A spokesperson added that routine consultations regarding delegation registrations and accommodations are ongoing with the OCA ^[3].

This edition of the Asian Games is expected to be the largest ever, even surpassing the scale of the 2023 Asian Games and the Paris 2024 Olympics ^[1]. Unlike previous editions, there will be no dedicated Athletes’ Village. Instead, housing will be spread across multiple venues: a rented Italian cruise ship named Costa Serena, wooden container-style accommodations, and nearby hotels ^{[2, 3]}.

About 4,000 to 5,000 athletes are planned to stay aboard the Costa Serena, which offers 571 cabins, seven swimming pools, eight restaurants, and nine bars ^{[2, 3]}. Approximately 2,000 athletes and officials will be accommodated in wooden container houses near Nagoya’s Garden Pier, with the remaining participants staying in hotels ^{[2, 3]}.

Some events, including swimming, diving, and equestrian competitions, will take place in Tokyo rather than Nagoya ^[3].

Despite the peak typhoon season in Japan during September and October, officials remain confident the accommodation arrangements will not be disrupted ^{[2, 3]}.

The Asian Games will begin less than a month from now on September 19, 2026, with discussions ongoing to finalize participant numbers and accommodations ahead of the opening ceremonies.