*This content was translated by AI.
The head of the organizing committee and the governor of the host Local Government directed harsh criticism at the Thai national team, which had expressed dissatisfaction with the meal menu at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games venues, asking, "Did you come here to earn views?" This has sparked growing controversy, with critics within Japan arguing that such an emotional response was excessive for the head of the host country.
According to a report by the Mainichi Shimbun on the 6th, Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura directly referenced a social media (SNS) post by a member of the Thai national team in 'Teqball,' a new event at this Asian Games, during a regular press conference held that day.
Governor Omura stated, "It is too extreme to complain, 'Is there nothing else but these dishes?'" and fired back, "I wondered if you came (to the games) just to earn views. I don't know what you even came here for, and it would have been better if people like this hadn't come in the first place."
The controversy was triggered when a member of the Thai Teqball national team posted videos and text on SNS during the tournament, claiming that the meal menu provided at the venue was extremely inadequate. As the post spread through online platforms and media, evolving into criticism of the tournament's operations, the organizing committee clarified on September 22 that "the meals for this event were not directly provided by the organizing committee."
Teqball was officially included as an event in February after accepting an additional request from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). At the time, the organizing committee set a condition that it would bear no responsibility for practical operations or related expenses. Consequently, all aspects of tournament operations, including athlete accommodations and meals, were handled entirely by the International Teqball Federation rather than the organizing committee. From the organizing committee's perspective, this is a point where they can express their grievance that the image of the entire tournament was damaged by a menu issue in which they had no direct involvement.
However, despite the poor support environment, the Thai national team swept all three gold medals awarded in Teqball at this tournament, demonstrating overwhelming skill. Thailand reached the top of the podium in women's doubles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles, achieving a triple crown at the games and leaving an impeccable record in terms of competitive performance.
However, public opinion within Japan has been divided since Governor Omura's strong remarks became known. While some argue that it is unfair to blame them for issues regarding the responsibility of the sports governing body, there are also pointed criticisms that the Jo Jik-wi (Director), who oversees the tournament and serves as the head of a broad local government entity, lowered the dignity of an international event by using emotional language such as "What did you come here for?" and "You shouldn't have come" toward athletes from overseas participating countries during an official press conference.
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*This content was translated by AI.
