South Korea team latest to be bussed to wrong Asian Games venue

Published Updated
0
South Korea's men's volleyball team during their opening match against the Philippines in the Asian Games at Park Arena Komaki in Komaki, Japan, on Sept 27, 2026.--Courtesy AINAGOC
South Korea's men's volleyball team during their opening match against the Philippines in the Asian Games at Park Arena Komaki in Komaki, Japan, on Sept 27, 2026.--Courtesy AINAGOC

South Korea were victims of another Asian Games transport mix-up in Japan when the bus carrying their men’s volleyball team went to a venue an hour away from where they should have gone.

The Games in Aichi-Nagoya have been dogged by organisational problems, with accommodation and transport for the more than 17,000 athletes and officials prime among them.

South Korea’s volleyball players were forced to cancel their practice on Monday morning ahead of the group game with Taiwan later in the day following the latest logistical issue.

“An organiser-provided shuttle bus took our team to Okazaki instead of its training venue in Inuyama yesterday morning,” an official from the Korea Volleyball Association told AFP on Tuesday.

“With too much time lost to turn back, the training was cancelled.

“We lodged a formal complaint to the organisers through the KSOC,” the official added, referring to South Korea’s Olympic committee.

The volleyball team went on to beat Taiwan 3-1.

South Korea’s men’s basketball team were forced to miss training ahead of their final against Japan last week when their bus failed to turn up.

The gaffe did not affect their performance as they went on to win the title.

Also on Monday, the Pakistan men’s volleyball side were bussed to the incorrect arena for their game with Uzbekistan, forcing the contest to be pushed back by 45 minutes.

“This is another mismanagement by Japan at the ongoing Asian Games,” Pakistan captain Murad Jehan said from the bus in an Instagram video.

A spokesperson for the local organising committee said the Pakistan and South Korea teams had departed from the same accommodation and there was “an error in matching teams to vehicles”.

“Each boarded a bus heading to the wrong destination. We sincerely apologise to both teams for the inconvenience,” said Ayumi Sakamoto.

“We caused great inconvenience and the organising committee takes this seriously,” the spokesperson added.

“It is basic, but we will again make sure boarding teams and vehicle destinations are properly checked and displayed, and work to prevent a recurrence.”

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...