Ryu Seung-min Calls Asian Games Operations "F-Grade," Criticizes Accommodation and Transportation Problems

[Financial News] Ryu Seung-min, president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, criticized the operations of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, calling them "F-grade."
Meeting with Korean reporters at the Nagoya Main Press Center in Japan on the 24th, Ryu said, "I think many people besides me feel the same. Although things have improved compared with the early stages, accommodation, transportation scheduling and training conditions are affecting athletes' performance. It deserves a failing grade."
When asked to compare the Games with other international competitions involving athletes and officials, he said, "If we were assigning letter grades, it would be an F. I believe we need to speak frankly if the operations are affecting athletes' performance."
He added, "If these issues continue to occur, it would constitute serious incompetence. At present, the national associations and federations for each sport are individually supporting their teams. KSOC will also provide attentive support."
Ryu said, "It is not desirable for the organizing committee to make excuses. The reason I had refrained from commenting on external issues was that negative developments could affect our athletes."
The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are currently facing a series of problems involving accommodation, transportation and training support. Critics say that support for the participating teams has not been properly provided as the organizing committee moves to cut costs.
In fact, the South Korean basketball team was unable to hold its scheduled practice because its shuttle bus failed to arrive on the day of the final, and it went into the game without training. The men's under-23 (U-23) football team and the baseball team also experienced disruptions to their training because training and transportation support was inadequate.
National teams from China, Taiwan and Vietnam have also complained of problems caused by the event's operations. Japanese media outlets have likewise pointed out operational issues.
Ryu said, "Problems have arisen not only with the event's operations but also in various other areas, such as introducing South Korea as North Korea and playing North Korea's national anthem instead of South Korea's national anthem. It is difficult to prevent such unexpected situations, but when a problem occurs, it is important to respond swiftly, accurately and forcefully. We will not be even one second late in responding to such issues."
On the same day, Ryu also sent a message of encouragement to athletes in sports that have received relatively less attention and support because they are not official Olympic events.
He emphasized, "At these Games, athletes from sports that have not received proper support are showing their strength, with Teqball's Lee Jun-suk winning a gold medal. We will actively support a wider range of sports going forward."
[email protected] Jang Yu-ha Reporter