"Deservedly, it should receive a failing grade": Asian Games conclude amid worst-ever evaluation [AG Wrap-up ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

"I think it should naturally receive a failing grade."

Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korea Sports and Olympic Committee, made this assessment regarding the operation of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He spoke during a meeting with domestic reporters while the games were underway. Addressing operational controversies that persisted from before the opening ceremony through the event itself, Yoo (Chairman) stated, "If there are grades from A to C, I would want to give it a C; if F is an option, it should be given an F." When asked by reporters whether it could be considered nearly the worst level compared to games he had previously attended, he pointed out, "I think many people will feel the same way, not just me."

The criticism was well-founded. This tournament was engulfed in various controversies even before the opening ceremony, drawing fierce criticism not only from media worldwide but also within Japan itself. Controversy arose from the decision to forgo building an athlete village in order to cut costs, instead utilizing cruise ships and container accommodation facilities. Inconveniences continued, including cramped quarters and aging facilities. Members of the Korean national basketball team even protested against leaking facilities.

Transportation issues also persisted throughout the games. The bus carrying the Korean delegation headed toward an inexplicable training ground, or in some cases did not arrive at all, preventing normal training and causing damage. Sports such as soccer and basketball were no exception, with teams becoming "sacrifices" of absurd transportation arrangements. Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) strongly criticized these facility and transportation issues, stating, "There should be no impact on the athletes' performance. That is a very infuriating issue," and adding, "If there are mistakes in bus scheduling or practice venue issues that disrupt the athletes' routines, I believe it should naturally receive a failing grade."

In addition, a person dressed as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who launched the Imjin War, appeared at a welcome event commemorating the arrival of the cruise ship, prompting strong protests from the Korea Sports and Olympic Committee. A farce also occurred in which the North Korean national anthem was played instead of the South Korean national anthem. After South Korea won the men's soccer final against Japan, issues arose regarding the Taegukgi flag not being properly hoisted at the top position.

As the Asian Games, held for the first time in 32 years, turned into a major failure, Japanese media poured out fierce criticism, with voices such as, "Sighs are pouring out among tournament organizers that it is 'so serious it is hard to believe this is a tournament being held in Japan,'" and "It appears likely that this tournament will go down in history as the 'worst Asian Games ever' if things continue like this."

At the post-tournament press conference, Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) stated, "This will be the tournament where the Korea Sports and Olympic Committee sent the most protest letters to the organizing committee and raised issues," while also saying, "I am grateful to the delegations who boldly took on the competitions despite various difficulties."

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*This content was translated by AI.