Asian Games: Indian shooting contingent faces transport, accommodation woes in Nagoya

India's 35-member shooting contingent faced transport and accommodation problems after arriving in Nagoya, Japan, ahead of the Asian Games.

The team landed at 9 pm on September 15 and completed customs formalities by 11 pm. The athletes and coaches then proceeded to an accreditation validation centre, where their credentials were processed within 15 minutes. However, they were left without transport at the centre from 11:45 pm until 3 am.

A bus eventually arrived at 3 am and took the delegation to its designated hotel, where they arrived around 3:30 am. The contingent was then informed that only seven rooms had been reserved for its 35 members.

The Indian Olympic Association intervened and arranged emergency accommodation across two properties located about 400 metres apart. A total of 18 rooms were allocated. By then, the initial transport had left.

The athletes were forced to move their suitcases, shooting equipment and ceremonial uniforms between the properties on foot during the early morning hours. Male athletes made multiple trips to help female teammates carry the heavy luggage. The contingent completed its check-in between 5 am and 5:30 am, more than eight hours after landing.

After resting on September 16, the team attempted to resume training the following morning. A bus scheduled to leave at 7 am for the shooting range, with an expected arrival at 8:20 am, was delayed because only one bus arrived for the contingent.

Several athletes and coaches waited for three and a half hours before boarding a bus at 10:30 am. They eventually reached the training venue at 12:30 pm.

The logistical problems have raised concerns over arrangements for athletes preparing to compete at the Games.