Insufficient funds force Indian athletes to pay out of pocket at 2026 Asian Games

NAGOYA, Japan, Sept 17: Indian equestrian riders preparing for the 2026 Asian Games have reportedly been asked to bear the cost of hay, bedding and fodder for their horses, with an Indian Olympic Association (IOA)-appointed ad-hoc committee citing a shortage of government funds, according to the Times of India.

The report by Sabi Hussain said an email signed by Lt Col Sandeep Dewan, member (administration) of the ad-hoc panel and team leader of the equestrian contingent, stated that funds released to the national federation were largely insufficient even to clear the bill of transporter Peden Bloodstock.

The federation has reportedly covered the shortfall from its own funds.

“We regret to inform you that the govt has so far not released any funds for payment of feed and other expenses related to the maintenance of the horses whilst in Japan,” Dewan wrote in the email.

Riders were subsequently asked to purchase feed and other stable requirements themselves and seek reimbursement later.

The financial burden reportedly also extends to the horses’ mandatory quarantine period in Germany. Riders said they personally paid for food, travel, accommodation and related fees during the process.

Reimbursements for pre-quarantine tests, blood and swab tests, horse transportation, athlete accommodation and groom accommodation are also reportedly pending.

“Timely support on these essential matters is extremely important for us to focus completely on our performance in the Asian Games,” a rider told the Times of India.

The funding concerns come as the wider Indian contingent faces separate logistical difficulties in Japan just days before the Games open.

According to sources cited by NDTV, Indian athletes have faced delays in receiving their allotted rooms, while members of the shooting team are reportedly taking more than two hours to reach their training venue. India’s shooting campaign begins on September 20.

Sources also claimed that some room bookings for Indian athletes and officials were cancelled, with some members of the contingent reportedly spending hours at the airport before accommodation was arranged. India’s Chef de Mission has reportedly booked 15 additional rooms to help address the accommodation difficulties.

The rowing contingent also reportedly encountered problems upon arrival. Rowing Federation of India president Balaji Mardapa said athletes waited nearly six hours before local residents helped them secure accommodation and food.

The rowing venue has also reportedly been affected by bad weather, raising concerns over preparations ahead of the competition.

The latest reports highlight two separate issues facing the Indian contingent — funding concerns involving the equestrian team and logistical difficulties involving accommodation and transportation in Japan.

The 2026 Asian Games, officially the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, are scheduled to open on September 19 and run until October 4. More than 11,000 athletes from more than 45 countries are expected to compete.

The Games do not have a conventional dedicated athletes’ village. Organizers are using hotels, temporary accommodation and the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena to house athletes and officials.