Nagoya, September 19, 2026 – Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat will lead the Indian contingent as flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, today.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM local time (2:30 PM IST) at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
Last-Minute Change
Earlier, the Indian Olympic Association had named shooter Manu Bhaker and two-time Asian Games gold medallist shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor as the flag-bearers. However, Toor was unable to attend the ceremony after a delay in the arrival of his ceremonial kit.
I am told that my ceremonial kit will arrive at 3 p.m. at the (Nagoya) airport. Reaching the opening ceremony venue after collecting my kit from the airport on time will be very difficult. So, I have told the IOA that I am not coming for the opening ceremony,” Toor told PTI.
As a result, seasoned kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat, a key member of India’s gold-medal-winning men’s team at the previous Asian Games, has been named as the replacement male flag-bearer. India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav confirmed the change.
Manu Bhaker made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Games (bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team events). Her selection as the female flag-bearer was widely expected.
Pawan Sehrawat brings the experience of a previous Asiad gold and will now share the honour of carrying the national flag alongside Bhaker.India has sent a contingent of 503 athletes for the Games, which run from September 19 to October 4, 2026. A portion of the contingent will participate in the parade of nations during the opening ceremony.
The last-minute switch highlights the logistical challenges that can arise even at major multi-sport events, but the Indian team remains focused on a strong campaign in Nagoya.