Italian cruise ship Costa Serena docked at Kinjo Pier; to host up to 5,000 athletes and officials for Asian Games

The Italian cruise ship Costa Serena officially docked at Kinjo Pier on Tuesday, receiving a formal welcome to host up to 5,000 athletes and officials for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Lacking a traditional, dedicated athletes village, organisers are relying on an unconventional mix of accommodation—including the cruise ship, local hotels, and converted shipping containers—to house an estimated 11,000-plus athletes. The sheer scale of the event surpasses the 10,700 competitors who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics. While event officials have yet to publish a final head count, participation could approach the 12,000 athletes who competed at the previous games in Hangzhou, China.

“So, today our ship becomes more than a destination,” ship Captain Federico Sias said at Tuesday's welcome ceremony. "It becomes home where athletes and guests from across Asia can come together in the spirit of friendship, mutual respect and unity.”

To manage the housing constraints, many delegations plan to stagger their arrivals and departures, allowing athletes who finish early to clear space for incoming competitors.

Set to open this Saturday and run through October 4, the 16-day continental event brings together 45 countries and territories across 43 sports, featuring a mix of Olympic disciplines and local regional favorites. First held in New Delhi, India, in 1951, the Asian Games remain one of the largest multi-sport competitions in the world. (AP)