Asian Games off to chaotic start as doubts grow over Japan’s ability to host

A myriad of problems ranging from the wrong national anthems being played to accommodation issues have cast a cloud over the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, raising doubts about Japan’s ability to host international sporting events. In a prominent blunder, the North Korean national anthem was mistakenly played instead of the South Korean anthem at a men’s field hockey game between South Korea and Bangladesh on Sept. 18. The incident caused widespread outrage, with the South Korean delegation sending a letter of protest demanding an explanation.

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) received an official apology from event organizers later that day.