India Creates Container Housing to Prepare Athletes for Asian Games

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has introduced shipping container style housing units at athlete headquarters in Patiala and Bengaluru to prepare competitors for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. These temporary lodgings are designed to replicate the accommodations athletes will use during the Games, which are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya and Aichi. Because there will be no traditional athletes village to cut costs, participants will stay in hotels, on a cruise ship, and in temporary wooden units. The SAI created these simulator containers to ensure athletes do not experience shock or claustrophobia upon arrival in Japan. The units measure approximately 40 feet long and eight feet wide, and they include four beds, two air conditioners, a fridge, a toilet, a washroom, and a washing machine. SAI deputy director general Vineet Kumar credited Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya with the idea. Athletes such as shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor and discus thrower Seema Kaliramna have already spent time in the units to adjust to the limited space.