India star: Asian Games 'sad', 'cruel' for athletes

Indian badminton medallist H.S. Prannoy has voiced strong criticism regarding the organization and scheduling of the Asian Games. He described the event as "sad" due to the absence of a dedicated athletes' village, which meant competitors were housed in various hotels, temporary units, and even a cruise ship, limiting opportunities for inter-athlete interaction. Prannoy contrasted this experience negatively with the Hangzhou Games, noting a decline in standards. Athletes reportedly faced difficulties with accommodation and transportation, contributing to a "mediocre" overall experience. Organizers acknowledged logistical errors and stated improvements were being made. Prannoy also decried the badminton schedule, calling it "cruel" for making players compete in two singles matches a day, an unusual and taxing arrangement for a quadrennial event.