APOLOGY FOR MIX-UPS
Murate also apologised for mix-ups with accommodation and transport.
Several teams have rounded on the organisers, with Thailand likening it to a “chaotic” game of “musical chairs” and South Korea saying “they deserve a failing grade”.
The biggest issue has been a shortage of rooms for the 17,000 participants, a problem compounded by delays at airports and hours-long waits to board a cruise ship acting as a floating hotel.
No traditional athletes’ village has been built, as a cost-cutting measure.
Teams have instead been staying in temporary container-style huts, hotels and the Costa Serena cruise ship.
Erratic transport services have seen competitors’ buses to training and venues turning up late or, in some cases, not at all.
“There have been mistakes in accommodation and transport, for various reasons,” admitted Murate.
“Whatever the cause, AINAGOC (the organising committee) is responsible for providing the service and I sincerely apologise for the mistakes.
“Our staff work every day to identify the causes of each mistake and make sure they don’t happen again.”
