Indian Shooters Face Logistical Challenges in Aichi
Bharatmorning.com – India’s shooting contingent has reached Japan for the Aichi-Nagoya Games amid an isolated range long travel time and accommodation issues that have complicated the team’s early preparations. The shooters are among India’s leading medal contenders, but their arrival and initial training days have been affected by transport delays, hotel changes and limited facilities.
The 30-member shooting squad, accompanied by coaches and support staff, arrived at Nagoya airport late on Wednesday after travelling through Hong Kong, where they had a seven-hour halt. Their difficulties continued after they completed weapon-clearance and security formalities at the airport.
Long airport wait after arrival
The team landed at 9pm but reportedly waited around two-and-a-half hours for transport. With no volunteers present at the designated transport desk, members of the large contingent had to seek help from a security guard before taxis were proposed as an alternative.
“We had to wait for two-and-half hours to get a bus. It took us a lot of time to find someone to guide us with the transport,” a member of the shooting team said.
Taxis were not considered practical for about 35 people carrying weapons, equipment and luggage. Team members felt organisers appeared unaware of the size of the Indian group, making an already tiring journey more difficult.
Unexpected hotel change adds to disruption
The delegation had expected to stay at the Grand Tiara hotel, which has a gym and other useful facilities. However, on arrival, the group was told that most of its rooms had been allocated elsewhere despite the team having confirmation for the original hotel.
Eventually, seven rooms were made available at Grand Tiara and 33 at the nearby Toyoko Inn. The group completed check-in at about 4am, nearly seven hours after reaching Nagoya. While larger rooms had initially been intended for support personnel and physiotherapists, coaches wanted the squad to remain together, leading shooters and coaches to move to the smaller hotel.
“The rooms are very small—so small that you cannot open your luggage. Fortunately, many received single rooms, so it is manageable due to single occupancy.”
Isolated Range Long Travel Time Affects Training Routine
The isolated range long travel time has emerged as another major concern. The Aichi Shooting Range is around two-and-a-half hours from the team’s hotel, leaving athletes with a lengthy commute before and after training sessions.
On the first morning, a large queue formed for buses. With a capacity of 50 people and more than 100 waiting, several Indian team members could not board and had to wait roughly another hour for later transport.
“It took us two and a half hours to reach the range, which is a very long commute. It was very challenging and boring,” a team member said.
After training, the shooters received cold packed lunches. The return trip was also uncertain, with some members waiting around one-and-a-half hours for a bus and others delayed for almost three hours. For athletes in a precision discipline, reliable recovery time, regular meals and predictable practice schedules are important in the lead-up to competition.
The remote location of the venue has limited other travel options. Taxis and app-based cabs are not readily available near the range, while the reported shortage and frequency of buses have made the isolated range long travel time a recurring issue for the contingent.
FAQ: Indian Shooters’ Stay in Aichi
Why are Indian shooters facing long travel times in Aichi?
The Aichi Shooting Range is about two-and-a-half hours from the team hotel. Limited bus availability, long queues and the lack of easily available taxis near the venue have extended the journey for some members of the delegation.
What accommodation issue did the team face?
The group expected to stay at Grand Tiara but was split between that hotel and the nearby Toyoko Inn. The smaller rooms at Toyoko Inn created practical difficulties for athletes and staff travelling with luggage and shooting equipment.