Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to pilot low-cost model

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will serve as a testing ground for a new low-cost international multi-sport event model. To avoid the ‘white elephant’ problem of unused facilities, the games will utilize existing venues across Aichi, Tokyo, Osaka, and Shizuoka. Athletes will stay in cruise ships and container-style mobile accommodations rather than traditional athlete villages.

Kim Hong-sik, an emeritus professor at Dongshin University and expert in sports administration, has been appointed as the head of the Korea House in Nagoya. The facility, located at ‘Lives Nagoya’, will operate from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the games to support sports diplomacy and promote K-content, including Korean food, tourism, and technology. A ‘Korea Day’ event is scheduled for September 25.

The upcoming games feature 45 countries and regions competing in 43 sports. South Korea plans to send a delegation of 1,052 members, including 792 athletes, aiming for a top-three overall finish. High-profile athletes such as badminton star An Se-young and fencer Oh Sang-uk are expected to be central to the competition.