The 2023 Asian Games in Japan concluded on Sunday. This event, which lasted for two weeks, was accompanied by the brilliance of young athletes and numerous record-breaking performances. However, management challenges and organizational shortcomings also overshadowed the event.
Brilliance of Young Athletes
Over 17,000 athletes and officials from across Asia participated in this event held in the Nagoya area and Aichi Prefecture. One of the brightest stars of these games was 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, who drew attention by winning three gold medals and breaking records. She was named the best athlete of the games and is expected to be a major contender for a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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In the pool, Japanese swimmer Shin Ohashi broke the world record in the 200-meter breaststroke at the age of 17, bringing joy to the people of Japan. In athletics, rain on several days did not prevent competitions, and Thai runner Puripol Boonson won gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters, being named the best male athlete of the games.
Organizational Challenges and Controversies
During the closing ceremony, which was held with vibrant colors and sounds, Japan handed over the hosting of the next games to Doha 2030. However, the organizers were defending their performance until the last moment. Husain Al-Musallam, the Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, referred to the breaking of 50 world records at these games, stating: "The numbers we have reflect the realities."
This edition of the games, which is considered the twentieth, lacked a traditional athletes' village due to cost-saving measures, and instead, participants were accommodated in temporary wooden units, the Costa Serena cruise ship, and hotels. This decision came with challenges, and some teams complained about a lack of space and sleep quality. An official from the Olympic Committee of Thailand told reporters: "This situation was like a game of musical chairs," referring to the difficulties in finding sleeping arrangements.
Alongside management issues, some competitions were well organized. The cricket final, which ended with India's victory over its long-time rival Pakistan, was one of the highlights of these competitions. North Korean weightlifter Ri Song Gum also established herself as a force in the field by breaking three world records in one day.
However, multiple issues arose, including the playing of the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean hockey team and delays in the bus services for athletes. Ryu Seung-min, the head of the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee, harshly criticized the organizational situation, stating: "If I were to give them a grade, it would be an F."
The presence of spectators was also a challenge, as the opening ceremony was held with thousands of empty seats, and only 998 people attended the women's football semifinal between Japan and South Korea in a 50,000-seat stadium. Seiko Hashimoto, the head of the Japanese Olympic Committee, admitted that "there were many problems" but expressed hope that her country would host more international events in the future.
Overall, Japan secured second place in the medal table with 83 gold medals, while China topped the table with 169 gold medals. Ultimately, these games will remain a reminder of management challenges and the brilliance of young talents in the world of sports.
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