Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: India's travel, stay issues resolved, says Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
India's Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav confirmed on Monday, 21 September that the accommodation and transportation problems encountered by the Indian contingent upon arriving in Nagoya, Japan, for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have been fully resolved. His remarks came as India's athletes continued a strong early run at the Games, reaching a six-medal tally in under two days of competition.
What Went Wrong and How It Was Fixed
The Indian contingent ran into logistical difficulties with both lodging and transport in the initial phase of its stay in Nagoya. Yadav said the team moved quickly to address these gaps at an organisational level. 'We did face some difficulties, but we have sorted everything out. We have booked rooms at a personal level and are also providing transport. Everything is set now,' Yadav said.
He added that with more athletes continuing to arrive — including the athletics team, which reached Nagoya on Monday — the situation would be kept under close watch. 'If there is any problem, we will let you know. As of now, we have sorted everything out, and everything is fine,' he said.
India's Medal Rush in Opening Days
The logistical turbulence has not visibly dented India's on-field momentum. The six medals secured in the opening stretch have come across MMA and 10m air rifle — both men's and women's events. Suchika Tariyal claimed a historic bronze in MMA, while Indian shooters contributed individual and team medals in the 10m air rifle discipline.
The early haul has lifted expectations ahead of a packed schedule across multiple disciplines. Notably, India's athletics contingent — traditionally one of the country's stronger suits at continental Games — only joined the competition on Monday, suggesting the medal count could rise sharply in the days ahead.
Weightlifting Next in Contention
Yadav pointed to weightlifting as the next event where India expects to be in contention for a podium finish. 'The start is good, and this is only the beginning. The game is still left to be played, and there will be a line of medals. We will also get a medal in weightlifting; there is a fight for a medal,' he said.
This comes amid broader optimism in the Indian camp, with multiple disciplines yet to peak. The contingent's ability to swiftly resolve its off-field issues — rather than let them fester into a distraction — will be seen as a positive management signal as the Games move into their busiest phase.
Looking Ahead
With the athletics team now in Nagoya and weightlifters preparing to compete, India's medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is widely expected to climb further. The Chef de Mission's assurance that facilities are now in order should help athletes focus on performance rather than logistics as the competition intensifies.