India’s traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at the Asian Games was delayed and then abruptly disrupted on Friday, before eventually taking place after more than an hour. The incident came a day before the 20th Asian Games were officially due to be declared open, adding to growing concerns over the organisation of the mega sporting event in Nagoya.

The ceremony, which also involved Yemen, North Korea, Palestine and Timor-Leste, was initially delayed by around 20 minutes. It began briefly before being halted, with organisers initially citing an unspecified “trouble” involving one of the teams.

“We are sorry for the delay. There is some trouble with a team. We will try to restore it in another 15 minutes,” read a statement issued by the local organisers.

However, the disruption continued for more than an hour, leaving athletes and officials waiting at the venue. Organisers later attributed the confusion to a communication problem between the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Executive Board and the Organising Committee.

Indian officials left waiting

India was represented at the ceremony by chef-de-mission Sahdev Yadav, who was accompanied by four deputy chef-de-missions; Sharath Kamal, Lijo David Thottan, Alaknanda Ashok and Anjali Bhagwat.

The ceremony was being held at Garden Pier, close to the container-style accommodation being used for athletes. Sharath Kamal and Bhagwat had begun moving towards the dais when another delay was announced, forcing them to return to the waiting area.

India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha also briefly arrived at the venue, as the IOA office for the Games is located nearby. They eventually left after the prolonged uncertainty.

“I have not seen such a scene before,” Sahdev Yadav was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Ceremony finally goes ahead

After the prolonged disruption, the flag-hoisting ceremony finally resumed. India was represented at the dais by former shooter Anjali Bhagwat and former sprinter Lijo David Thottan.

Such ceremonies traditionally serve as official welcome events for participating contingents at multi-sport competitions and are generally held a day before the formal opening of the Games.

The disruption on Friday has added to organisational concerns surrounding the Asian Games, with athletes already reporting accommodation and logistical difficulties in Nagoya.

Accommodation issues add to concerns

Organisers had initially estimated that around 15,000 athletes, support staff and officials would attend the Games. However, the number reportedly rose to around 17,000, placing additional pressure on the accommodation arrangements.

Japan adopted an unusual accommodation model for the Games instead of constructing a conventional athletes’ village. Container-style accommodation has been installed, while the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena is docked at Kinjo Pier in Nagoya and can accommodate up to 5,000 athletes.

Several contingents have reportedly encountered difficulties. Athletes from Thailand complained of having to sleep at an airport after failing to secure accommodation, while South Korean athletes raised concerns over limited space.

India has also faced its share of logistical problems. Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak and her coach have reportedly been assigned the same room, while the Indian shooting contingent has also encountered accommodation-related difficulties.

With the Games set to officially open, Friday’s disrupted ceremony has highlighted the logistical challenges confronting organisers as Nagoya prepares to host thousands of athletes and officials from across Asia.