Asian Games 2026: Pawan Sehrawat Replaces Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India's Flag-Bearer For Opening Ceremony

In a dramatic turn of events just hours before the opening ceremony, India has announced a last-minute change to its male flag-bearer for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. Seasoned kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat, aged 30, will now proudly carry the Indian flag alongside double Olympic medalist shooter Manu Bhaker at the prestigious event, replacing two-time Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor. Asian Games 2026: Typhoon Dujuan Puts Organisers on High Alert in Nagoya.

The unexpected alteration stems from a logistical challenge concerning Toor’s ceremonial kit. The 31-year-old shot-putter, who was initially named as the flag-bearer, confirmed his inability to attend the ceremony as his official attire would not arrive in Nagoya in time.

Kit Conundrum Forces Change

Tajinderpal Singh Toor explained the predicament to PTI, stating that his ceremonial kit was expected to reach Nagoya airport only at 3:00 PM local time on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This late arrival made it impossible for him to collect the kit and reach the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, the venue for the opening ceremony, on schedule.

"I am told that my ceremonial kit will reach at 3pm at the (Nagoya) airport. Reaching the opening ceremony venue after collecting my (ceremonial) kit from airport on time will be very difficult. So, I have told IOA (Indian Olympic Association) that I am not coming for opening ceremony," Toor said. He also revealed that the entire athletics contingent, currently stationed at an acclimatisation camp near Tokyo since September 13, had not received their ceremonial kits.

The athletics team is slated to travel to Nagoya only on September 21, two days before their events commence. India’s chef-de-mission Sahdev Yadav confirmed the change, acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances that led to the switch.

Sehrawat Steps Up

Pawan Sehrawat, known as the 'Hi-Flyer' in kabaddi circles, steps into the role with an impressive record. The Pro Kabaddi League's most expensive player has previously captained India to a gold medal at the previous Asian Games (Hangzhou 2022, held in 2023) and also led the national team to triumph at the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship. His selection brings a formidable presence to the forefront of the Indian contingent. Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named India's Flag Bearers for Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony.

Key Details:

• Event: Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, Opening Ceremony
• Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
• Time: 2:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)
• Venue: Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
• Male Flag-Bearer (Original): Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot putter, 31 years old)
• Male Flag-Bearer (Replacement): Pawan Sehrawat (Kabaddi player, 30 years old)
• Female Flag-Bearer: Manu Bhaker (Shooter, double Olympic medalist)

This last-minute adjustment underscores the logistical complexities of multi-sport events and highlights the readiness of athletes like Pawan Sehrawat to represent their nation at a moment's notice. The Indian contingent will march into the opening ceremony with renewed determination, led by two of its celebrated sporting icons.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2026 10:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).