Nagoya - the main host city of ASIAD 2026 is being affected by heavy rain causing flooding in many areas. The incident occurred just over a week before the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place on September 19.
The flooding situation forced about 400 athletes and support staff staying at ASIAD facilities to temporarily evacuate to higher areas to ensure safety. After that, all of these people were confirmed to have returned to their training and accommodation, no casualties were recorded.
Heavy rain also affected some competition venues. At the Kinjo stadium, where basketball matches are scheduled to be held, water overflowed, causing some sound equipment and cable systems to be affected. Some other facilities recorded water leaks from roofs and ceilings.
However, the Nagoya government and the ASIAD 2026 organizers said that there are no signs that the Games must change the schedule. Competition venues continue to be inspected and evaluated to ensure organizational conditions and safety for sports delegations.
Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa affirmed that the current situation is not to the point of threatening the opening ceremony. He believes the city can organize the competition events as planned, and said that the government will continue to monitor weather developments and the situation in the surrounding areas.
ASIAD 2026 will take place from September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya and some localities in Aichi Prefecture. The Games are expected to gather more than 11,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries and territories.
In the coming days, preparations will continue to be implemented in parallel with weather monitoring. The top priority set by the organizers is to ensure the safety of athletes, officials, service staff and spectators before ASIAD 2026 officially kicks off.
