The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has defended the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games as a success, pointing to 54 world records, strong viewership and a nearly 20% increase in revenue despite persistent logistical problems that marred the continental sporting showpiece.OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam said the record-breaking performances demonstrated that athletes had the environment needed to deliver exceptional results during the Games, which concluded on Sunday.A total of 54 world records, 11 junior world records and 89 continental records were set during the competition, providing the OCA with evidence of the event’s sporting success despite complaints over accommodation and transportation.“This achievement does not come without the best environment,” Al-Musallam 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 with the evidence.”
President of the OCA, Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, left, looks at the Olympic Council of Asia flag as Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, PM of Qatar holds it. (AP Photo)
OCA highlights records, revenue growth
Al-Musallam also highlighted the financial sustainability of the Aichi-Nagoya model, arguing that major sporting events did not necessarily require expensive infrastructure projects that could become underused after the competition.“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,” he said.The OCA attributed the nearly 20% revenue increase compared with the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games largely to digital growth and stronger viewership. India’s hockey and cricket matches against Pakistan were among the fixtures that attracted large television audiences.Weightlifting was a major contributor to the record-breaking spectacle, with 25 senior world records established in the sport. North Korea led the way with 15 world records, while China also produced a series of outstanding performances.The Games attracted around 17,000 athletes and officials following a surge in late entries, approximately 2,000 more than initially projected.
Logistical problems remain a concern
The sporting achievements, however, came against a backdrop of organisational difficulties. Without a dedicated athletes’ village, participants were accommodated in hotels, container-style living units and a cruise ship.The unexpected increase in registrations strained accommodation and transport arrangements, prompting complaints about cramped rooms, small beds and unreliable transportation. Organising committee secretary general Satoshi Murate apologised for the problems.OCA officials nevertheless argued that the Games demonstrated the power of sport to bring countries together amid international tensions.“When you look to the news, conflict everywhere – in Asia, outside Asia,” Al-Musallam said. “Economic problems everywhere. But look at Asia, how united we are in sport.”Tayyab Ikram, chairman of the Games Coordination Committee, acknowledged that improvements were necessary.“There is no Games without challenges. There are no Games without initial interruptions,” Ikram said.“In the future, we would like to see more sustainable solutions, more improvement and innovation … but without compromising on the athletes’ conditions.”As Doha prepares to host the 2030 Asian Games, the Aichi-Nagoya edition has left organisers with two contrasting legacies: a remarkable collection of sporting records and a reminder that operational efficiency must match athletic ambition.
