Watch Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat Lead Indian Contingent as Flag-Bearers During Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and star kabaddi raider Pawan Sehrawat are set to lead the 496-member Indian contingent as flag-bearers at the Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The 20th Asian Games, themed 'Imagine One Asia,' officially begins at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, showcasing 36 sports.
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and veteran kabaddi icon Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent out as joint flag-bearers during the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Marching into the Mizuho Athletic Stadium, the duo held the Indian Tricolour aloft as athletes and team officials took part in the traditional Parade of Nations to mark the official commencement of the multi-sport event. Asian Games 2026: Pawan Sehrawat Replaces Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India's Flag-Bearer For Opening Ceremony.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat Head India's Contingent
TEAM INDIA AT THE ASIAN GAMES 2026 OPENING CEREMONY! 🇮🇳💙
Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat lead the Indian contingent as the nation’s flag bearers in Nagoya, Japan.#AsianGames | @TheKhelIndia pic.twitter.com/ogDMgBe6Xf
— ;-) (@timeout_7) September 19, 2026
Clad in traditional ceremonial attire, the Indian contingent walked out to loud applause from spectators and travelling supporters. Over 100 Indian athletes and support staff from disciplines that do not have early competition commitments on Sunday participated in the march past.
The opening ceremony showcased Japan’s regional traditions and advanced digital visual displays, celebrating the cultural heritage of the Aichi Prefecture. Following the athlete parade, the games were formally declared open, initiating two weeks of high-stakes competition across 40 sports.
The selection of Bhaker and Sehrawat by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reflects a blend of individual sporting excellence and cross-discipline recognition.
Bhaker, who secured two bronze medals in pistol shooting at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games alongside multiple continental honours, served as the female flag-bearer. Narwal, widely celebrated as one of the most decorated raiders in Pro Kabaddi League history and an Asian Games gold medallist with the national side, represented India's dominant kabaddi heritage as the male flag-bearer. Asian Games 2026: Typhoon Dujuan Puts Organisers on High Alert in Nagoya
Initially, two-time defending Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor was slated to be a flag-bearer alongside Bhaker. However, a last-minute change saw Pawan Sehrawat step in due to Toor's inability to procure his ceremonial kit.
The Indian Contingent and Expectations
India has dispatched a strong 496-athlete contingent to the 20th Asian Games, featuring 269 men and 234 women, who will compete across 36 sports. The nation aims to surpass its record-breaking performance at Hangzhou 2023, where it clinched an unprecedented 107 medals. With a blend of seasoned Olympians and promising young talent, India is poised to deliver a strong showing in various disciplines, including shooting, athletics, badminton, boxing, and wrestling.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2026 03:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
