Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named India's Flag Bearers for Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, who made history at the Paris 2024 Games by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition (two bronze in 10m air pistol individual and mixed team), and defending Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been officially named India's flag bearers for the.
India has announced a formidable duo to lead its contingent at the prestigious 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker and reigning Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor named as the nation's flag bearers for the opening ceremony. The announcement, made on Friday, September 18, 2026, sets a high tone for India's campaign at the continental showpiece, which officially commences on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Why Is Indian Cricket Team Wearing Different Jersey in Asian Games 2026?.
Manu Bhaker, Tajinder Singh Toor Named India's Flag Bearers
STORY | Manu Bhaker, Toor named India's flag-bearers for Asiad opening
Double Olympic medal-winning shooter Manu Bhaker and defending shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor were on Friday named as India's flag-bearers for Asian Games opening ceremony here.
The ceremony is… pic.twitter.com/0I8jBOdGPS
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 18, 2026
A Historic Honour for Olympic Medallist Bhaker
Manu Bhaker's selection comes on the heels of a historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she etched her name in Indian sporting history. The talented shooter secured two bronze medals – one in the women's 10m air pistol event and another alongside Sarabjot Singh in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This remarkable achievement made her the first athlete from independent India to claim two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games. Bhaker's consistent excellence and recent Olympic glory make her an inspiring choice to lead the Indian contingent onto the international stage.
Toor Leads India's Charge in Athletics
Joining Bhaker is Tajinderpal Singh Toor, a dominant force in Asian athletics. The shot put maestro is a defending Asian Games gold medallist, having triumphed in previous editions of the Games. His proven track record and consistent performances solidify his status as a key medal prospect for India in Aichi-Nagoya. Both Bhaker and Toor are expected to be among India's strongest contenders for medals, underscoring the significance of their role as flag bearers. IND vs JPN, Women's Asian Games 2026 Quarterfinal Toss Report and Playing XIs: India Opt To Bowl, Shreyanka Patil Returns From Injury.
Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026: Key Details
The 20th Asian Games, also known as Aichi-Nagoya 2026, promises over two weeks of intense sporting action across various disciplines.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Event | XX Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) |
| Host City | Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan |
| Official Period | September 19 – October 4, 2026 |
| Opening Ceremony | September 19, 2026, 6:00 PM JST (UTC+09:00) |
| Venue | Paloma Mizuho Stadium (Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium) |
| Participating Nations | 45 countries and regions |
| Estimated Athletes | Over 11,000 |
The selection of these two accomplished athletes as flag bearers reflects India's aspirations for a successful outing at the Asian Games. Their leadership will undoubtedly inspire the entire Indian contingent as they aim to surpass their previous medal haul and achieve new milestones on the Japanese soil.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 12:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
