ASIAD 2026: Japanese organizer accuses da teqball team
According to Vnexpress.
Why this matters
Hideaki Omura's criticism of Thailand's teqball team highlights the tensions that can arise at international events such as the 2026 Asian Games. The way complaints are handled can impact Japan's image as a host and the global perception of Japanese hospitality, especially in a context where omotenashi culture is highly valued.
Main conclusions
- ASIAD 2026: Japanese organizer accuses da teqball team.
- Head of ASIAD 2026 publicly criticizes Thailand's teqball complaint and reignites debate about organizational failures and Japanese hospitality.
- Ban tổ chức ASIAD 2026 chỉ trích đội teqball Thái Lan 'câu view'.
Hideaki Omura, governor of Aichi province and leader of the organizing committee for the 2026 Asian Games (ASIAD 2026), launched a harsh criticism of the Thai teqball team, following posts on social media where a member of the delegation complained that only rice and a single dish with vegetables and meat had been served. In a regular press conference about the event, held on October 6, Omura considered that the public exposure of the topic was mainly aimed at “seeking views” and stated that it would be “better if people like that didn't come from the beginning”, in a comment that quickly ignited public discussion in Japan.
The Japanese official maintained that the information disseminated was incomplete and recalled that the logistical responsibility for teqball — including food and accommodation — was the responsibility of the sport's international federation, and not the local organizing committee. According to Omura, this division of responsibilities was clarified on September 22, two days after the teqball competitions ended. The governor classified the complaint — “is there nothing left to eat?” — as “exaggerated”, questioning the purpose of those who published it.
The statements divided opinions. On the one hand, there are those who consider it unfair for the host to refer problems to third parties when the global image of the event is at stake. On the other, criticism multiplied over the emotional language used by Omura about a foreign delegation at an official conference, for allegedly clashing with the spirit of omotenashi — the recognized Japanese culture of friendliness and hospitality.
An emerging sport that combines football and table tennis, teqball allows the use of all parts of the body, except the hands, to get the ball to the opponent's side, on a curved table. The discipline was integrated into the official ASIAD program in February 2026, after acceptance by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). In competition, Thailand shone despite the controversial context, leading the teqball medal table with three golds, followed by Myanmar (one gold, one silver and one bronze) and South Korea (one gold).
Before and after Omura's words, ASIAD 2026 was already under fire for several image failures: incorrect executions of national anthems, problems in raising flags, transport shortages and less than expected accommodation. Among the reasons given, Japan's option for a French service provider stands out, following the corruption scandals linked to the Tokyo Olympic Games, which exposed a lack of experience and coordination difficulties. The governor himself acknowledged that organizing an event of this scale is “a colossal challenge”, regretting the inconvenience caused to athletes and guaranteeing continuous work to correct errors.
Hussein Al-Musallam, secretary general of the OCA, came to the host's defense, stressing that, without adequate conditions of food, rest, medical assistance and mobility, it would not have been possible to witness the recording of more than 50 world records, more than 90 Asian records and more than 200 Games marks. Even so, another comment of his about the percentage of transport delays — allegedly tiny compared to more than 100 thousand journeys — was widely mocked on social media for the way it was presented.
ASIAD 2026 took place from September 19th to October 4th, bringing together around 17,000 athletes, coaches and managers, 7,000 journalists, more than 5,000 technical officials and 30,000 volunteers. In the overall medal table, China dominated with 169 golds, 89 silvers and 83 bronzes; Japan was second with 83-95-91; and Vietnam finished in 20th place, with 3 gold, 3 silver and 19 bronze.
What happens next
With the controversy surrounding Omura's statements, the ASIAD 2026 organizing committee is expected to strengthen communication about logistical and reception responsibilities. Additionally, the situation may lead to a review of hospitality practices to ensure all teams feel welcome and respected during the event in Aichi, Japan.
Frequently asked questions
What happened between the Thai teqball team and the Japanese organizer?
Hideaki Omura, governor of Aichi Prefecture and leader of the 2026 Asian Games organizing committee, criticized the Thai teqball team over a complaint about the food they received during the event.
Who confirmed the criticism of the Thai teqball team?
The criticism was made by Hideaki Omura, governor of Aichi Prefecture and leader of the organizing committee of the 2026 Asian Games.
Why was the criticism made now?
The criticism was made after a member of the Thai delegation published a complaint about the food on social media, leading to
Omura to respond at a regular press conference about the event.
What changes were mentioned regarding logistics responsibility?
Omura stated that logistical responsibility, including food and accommodation, was the responsibility of the international teqball federation, not the local organizing committee.
What was the public reaction to Omura's statements?
The statements divided opinions, with some considering it unfair for the host to refer problems to third parties, while others criticized the emotional language used by Omura.