Nagoya, situated in Aichi Prefecture and scheduled to host the Asian Games in 2026, has faced significant flooding just ten days prior to the start of the continental competition. Heavy rainfall hammered the central Japanese city on Tuesday, September 8, inundating numerous roads and homes. This extreme weather led to the temporary suspension of bus and subway services, forcing approximately 3,500 residents to relocate to emergency evacuation centres for safety.

As flooding intensified, Nagoya’s Mayor, Ichiro Hirosawa, announced that around 400 athletes and support staff who had already arrived in the city were briefly moved to higher ground. Japanese media sources showcased the extent of the flooding, which included submerged streets and metro stations.

Despite these weather challenges, Mayor Hirosawa reported that while some roofs experienced leaks due to the downpour, there was no substantial damage to the numerous venues designated for the Asian Games. “We are not worried about the conditions of the venues and we believe there is no problem holding the Asian Games as planned,” Hirosawa stated in a press briefing.

Implications for the Asian Games

The Asian Games are set to commence in Nagoya and its surrounding areas on September 19 and will continue until October 4. This timing has raised concerns regarding the impact of the flooding on the planned events and the safety of the athletes and officials.

Nonetheless, the authorities have reassured the public that the venues are unaffected by the flooding, and preparations for the games will proceed without disruption. The commitment to holding the games as scheduled remains strong, reflecting the resilience of the organisers amidst adverse weather conditions.

In light of these circumstances, local officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of participants and attendees. Contingency plans are reportedly in place should further flooding impacts arise as the event date approaches.

India’s Asian Games Contingent Details

Originally, the ministry sanctioned 492 athletes across 35 disciplines, though the athletics team has since expanded from seventy-three to seventy-nine athletes. Additionally, four surfers have been added, bringing India’s participation to thirty-six disciplines.

The total strength of India’s contingent now stands at 768, consisting of athletes, coaches, and essential support staff, including Sahdev Yadav, who has been appointed as the chef de mission, and Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, the chief medical officer.

The athletics group, notably without star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, enjoys the largest support system comprising thirty-one members, including twenty coaches. The coaching team is led by national coach P Radhakrishnan, alongside other key personnel associated with the athletes’ training and preparation.

For both the men’s and women’s cricket teams, aiming for consecutive gold medals at the Games, a support staff of twenty has been established, with VVS Laxman managing the men’s team and Amol Muzumdar leading the women’s team. Together with the hockey contingent and the shooting team led by double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, the overall preparations for the Asian Games reflect comprehensive planning and support.

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