P T Usha opposes Nagoya Asian Games cruise ship accommodation model

Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha has questioned the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games organisers' decision to replace a traditional Athletes Village with a cruise ship, saying she and most coordination committee members objected. Athletes are housed at scattered locations, with the Costa Serena cruise ship as the main facility. Organisers cite cost and sustainability, but Usha told reporters the village system is essential for the atmosphere of a multi-sport event.

Usha, a former Asian Games sprint champion, also criticised the distance between venues, saying it makes watching multiple sports difficult. She acknowledged the dispersed model spreads infrastructure but argued it hurts accessibility. Usha rejected suggestions the ship model would end the traditional village culture, saying no committee member liked the idea. India's shooting team had won four silver and one bronze in the opening days. Usha said she was thrilled to watch athletics and urged Indian athletes to perform their best.