Asian Games 2026 LIVE: Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sherawat to be India's flag-bearers at opening ceremony today

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The Indian delegation arrive for the flag-hoisting ceremony for the Asian Games at the garden pier near Nagoya port in Japan on September 18, 2026 | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

The Asian Games opens on Saturday (September 19, 2026) in Nagoya, Japan, with an opening ceremony in which the Indian contingent will take part, led by Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat.

Shot-put gold medallist Tajinderpal Singh Toor was the original choice for the male flagbearer, but he has ⁠not received his official ceremonial kit and cannot attend the event.

Toor, who is aiming for his third straight ‌Asian Games gold in ‌shot ⁠put, is replaced by ⁠kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat. Shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze ‌medals at the Paris Olympics, is the female flagbearer.

In the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, in 2023, India won a record 106 medals overall, including 28 gold.

Seasoned kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India’s flag-bearer for the Asian Games opening ceremony today as the celebrated shot-putter does not have the ceremonial kit in his luggage, which will prevent him from attending the gala event.

Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat steps in as Asian Games flag-bearer, replacing shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor.

At the previous Hangzhou Asiad, India had an impressive tally of 106 medals and was placed fourth behind China, Japan and South Korea. There is a significant drop in the number of Indian athletes, from 650-plus in 40 disciplines three years ago, following rationalisation, discouraging a mad rush because of the perks and money associated with the Asiad. Nevertheless, Indian sports authorities expect around 100 medals, which may noticeably improve the athlete-to-medal ratio.

The 20th Asian Games will open in Japan on Saturday (September 19, 2026) with a glittering ceremony following a stuttering build-up to a multi-sport spectacular that has more participants than the Olympics.

The first gold medal will be won on Sunday (September 20) morning, likely in the men’s individual triathlon, and will be followed by 468 more in more than 40 sports before the curtain comes down on October 4.

The number of athletes may have been reduced but India’s ambitions of flexing its sporting muscle at the continental level will be tested when the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games officially kickstart at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya on Saturday

India's athletes gear up for the 2026 Asian Games, aiming to exceed their record medal tally and showcase their potential.

Asian Games / Asian Games 2026 / sport / athletics, track and field / Japan / Live news