NAGOYA - Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games organizing committee president Hideaki Omura apologized Sunday on the final day of the event for a series of logistical glitches, including delays in accommodation check-ins and transportation.
Omura, the governor of host Aichi Prefecture since 2011 who is in his fourth term, had refrained from publicly addressing the issues despite mounting criticism of the management of the games.
At a news conference, Omura said organizers had faced "unforeseen challenges" and responded to them on a day-to-day basis.
For the Asian Games, athletes stayed on a large cruise ship, in container-style accommodation and at hotels, as organizers opted not to build an athletes' village in a cost-cutting move.
However, some taller athletes who lodged in the container units complained that the beds were not long enough, while others criticized long waits to board the cruise ship and complete check-in procedures.
Omura explained that organizers "immediately responded" to complaints from taller athletes by providing bed extenders, and acknowledged they were unable to deal smoothly with participants who had not registered in advance.
Regarding athlete transportation, Omura acknowledged there had been cases of bus delays, saying, "We sincerely accept such feedback and apologize for the inconvenience caused to athletes."
