"Korean 3X3 venue and equipment submerged in floodwaters": Record-breaking rain in Japan causes widespread AG damage... 400 athletes evacuated, leaks reported across sites

*This content was translated by AI.

With the opening of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games just around the corner, record-breaking rainstorms have battered Nagoya, causing flooding and leaks at various competition venues. Even the stadium where the Korean national team will compete in actual matches could not escape damage.

Reuters reported on the 10th (Korean time) that "as heavy rains struck Nagoya, hundreds of athletes and officials were temporarily evacuated," adding that "however, the mayor of Nagoya stated there would be no disruptions to the Asian Games schedule."

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games officially open on the 19th and will run until October 4. However, some events have already begun their schedules prior to the opening ceremony. The Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team also begins its official competition schedule starting from the 10th.

However, as record-breaking rain poured over the host city, roads were flooded in many areas, and water entered some competition venues.

Athletes and officials were even urgently evacuated to safe locations. According to Reuters, approximately 400 people, including athletes and staff, were evacuated due to the heavy rain. Fortunately, all evacuees have since returned, and no injuries were reported.

Damage to competition venues is also being confirmed one after another. According to Japan's Mainichi Shimbun, at the "Special Court in front of Kintetsu-Higashi-Futo Station," which will be used as a 3X3 basketball venue, sound equipment and cables installed in the stadium were submerged in water.

A local official stated, "We have not yet confirmed the condition of the equipment. We are concerned about whether it can actually be used," expressing concern.

This is also a venue directly related to Korean athletes. The 3X3 basketball matches for this Asian Games will be held here, and ahead of the tournament, the organizing committee installed a temporary stadium in front of Kintetsu-Higashi-Futo Station capable of accommodating approximately 1,000 people. Korea will also have all Nam Nyeo (CEO) teams competing in 3X3 basketball and using this venue.

The damage is not limited to this. At the "Kintetsu-Higashi-Futo Arena," which will be used as a squash venue, water leakage was confirmed at three locations: around the standing area, near the entrance walls, and other spots.

However, the on-site manager explained, "We do not yet know when repairs will take place, but we do not believe it will affect the competition."

Water also entered an outdoor corridor at the Nagoya International Exhibition Center, where the main media center for journalists' workspaces is located.

At the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center, where Asian Games tennis matches will be held, flooding occurred on the first-floor corridors and storage areas. It is currently understood that the water has receded.

Reuters also reported that "concentrated heavy rains caused road flooding, and water entered some venues of the comprehensive sports tournament."

Although damage continues to occur ahead of the opening ceremony, the city of Nagoya maintains that there is no problem with holding the games as planned.

Reuters reported that "although water leakage was occurring from the roofs of several venues, Mayor Hirokawa predicted that the games will proceed as scheduled."

Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirokawa stated, "The current situation is not serious enough to threaten the opening of the games on the 19th."

He further emphasized, "Based on the current situation, I believe there will be no problems in hosting the Asian Games."

Mayor Hirokawa also explained that while he has not yet fully grasped the damage situation outside Nagoya City, "based on the information secured so far, we expect to hold the games without delay."

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*This content was translated by AI.