Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Indian Athletes Urged to Focus Amid Asian Games Chaos
The Asian Games began with a large opening ceremony in Japan.
India had planned for Tajinderpal Singh Toor to carry its flag.
However, he did not have the special ceremony clothes with him.
Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat replaced him alongside shooter Manu Bhaker.
Indian athletes had been training near Tokyo before traveling to Nagoya.
They were not originally expected to attend the opening ceremony.
Manu Bhaker said athletes should not spend their energy complaining about problems.
She encouraged them to enjoy what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Thousands of athletes from many countries will compete for medals.
India replaced shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor with kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat as an opening-ceremony flagbearer.
Toor could not attend because the ceremonial kit was not in his luggage.
India’s athletes had been training near Tokyo and were scheduled to reach Nagoya on September 21.
Shooter Manu Bhaker urged athletes to enjoy the opportunity rather than focus on organisational problems.
About 11,000 athletes from 45 nations will compete for 469 gold medals at the Games.
- Who
- Indian athletes, including Pawan Sehrawat, Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Manu Bhaker, along with athletes from 45 nations.
- What
- The Asian Games opened in Japan, while India changed one of its flagbearers because of a ceremonial-kit problem.
- When
- The opening ceremony took place on Saturday; Indian athletes were scheduled to reach Nagoya on September 21, before athletics began.
- Where
- The opening ceremony was held in Japan, with Indian athletes training at the University of Tsukuba near Tokyo and scheduled to compete in Nagoya.
- Why
- Toor could not attend the ceremony because his ceremonial kit was not in his luggage; Bhaker urged athletes to focus on competing despite organisational issues.
Focus on Competition
Demand Better Organisation
How athletes should respond
Focus on Competition
Manu Bhaker said athletes should conserve their energy, enjoy the experience and focus on competing rather than complaining about organisational problems.
Demand Better Organisation
The ceremonial-kit mistake and broader logistical troubles have highlighted organisational failures that warrant attention.
Ceremony participation
Focus on Competition
Indian athletes were not expected to attend the opening or closing ceremonies because they were training near Tokyo and were scheduled to arrive in Nagoya later.
Demand Better Organisation
The late flagbearer change showed the consequences of insufficient preparation, even if the athletes’ schedule explained why kits were absent.
- Opening ceremony
- Japan’s Emperor Naruhito declared the 20th Asian Games open.
- India’s flagbearers
- Pawan Sehrawat and Manu Bhaker led India after Toor was replaced.
- Ceremonial-kit issue
- Toor did not have the required kit in his luggage.
- Indian training base
- University of Tsukuba near Tokyo.
- Athletes and nations
- Around 11,000 athletes from 45 nations.
- Medal events
- A total of 469 gold medals are available.
- India’s previous result
- India won 107 medals, including 28 gold, in the 2023 Games.