TOKYO - As the number of athletes and officials expected to take part in the upcoming Asian Games is likely to exceed initial projections by up to 2,000, Japan's organizing committee has urged the games' governing body to address the issue, sources close to the matter said Sunday.
The possible increase is believed to be due partly to more entries than anticipated from participating countries and regions, based on figures compiled by the Olympic Council of Asia and international sports federations, according to the sources.
The development would force the organizing committee to secure additional accommodations and meals, leading to higher costs.
The organizing committee of the Asian Games, which will be held mainly in Aichi Prefecture from mid-September, has called on the OCA to bring the number back to the initially planned 15,000, with one of the sources saying, "The issue should be addressed at a rapid pace."
As it appears difficult to significantly reduce the number of athletes, the OCA is likely to consider cutting the number of coaches and other officials, the sources said.
Meanwhile, the OCA also warned the organizing committee in a letter sent in late July that preparations for competition venues needed to be accelerated, according to the sources.
The Asian governing body has requested a detailed report from the organizing committee and sent officials to Japan in mid-August to assess the situation, underscoring its sense of urgency as preparations enter their final stage.
The games will be held mainly in Nagoya and other cities in Aichi Prefecture through Oct. 4. Some events will also take place in Tokyo and Gifu, Shizuoka and Osaka prefectures.
