Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Tajinderpal Toor Breaks Silence On Asian Games Flag-Bearer Controversy
Tajinderpal Singh Toor was chosen to carry India’s flag at the Asian Games opening ceremony.
He was supposed to share the honour with Manu Bhaker.
However, he could not attend because his ceremonial clothes did not arrive on time.
Pawan Sehrawat took his place instead.
The Indian Olympic Association called the problem a technical issue.
Toor said he only found out about the role one day before the ceremony.
He said his coach could have brought the clothes if people had spoken earlier.
The disagreement is mainly about whether the problem was unavoidable or caused by late communication.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor was originally nominated as India’s male flag-bearer alongside Manu Bhaker.
Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat replaced Toor at the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony.
The Indian Olympic Association described Toor’s absence as a “technical issue.”
Toor said he learned about the flag-bearer position only the day before the event.
Toor said his coach could have brought the ceremonial kit if officials had communicated sooner.
- Who
- Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat, and the Indian Olympic Association.
- What
- Toor was replaced as India’s male flag-bearer at the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony.
- When
- The replacement occurred at the opening ceremony; Toor said he learned about the role the day before.
- Where
- At the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony.
- Why
- Toor could not attend because his official ceremonial kit had not arrived in time, while Toor said earlier communication could have allowed his coach to bring it.
Tajinderpal Toor’s account
Indian Olympic Association’s explanation
Reason for the replacement
Tajinderpal Toor’s account
Toor said his coach could have brought the ceremonial kit if officials had communicated sooner.
Indian Olympic Association’s explanation
The Indian Olympic Association described the situation as a technical issue involving the kit’s failure to arrive in time.
Timing of the information
Tajinderpal Toor’s account
Toor said he was made aware of the flag-bearer position only the day before the event.
Indian Olympic Association’s explanation
The association’s statement, as reported, did not provide further details about the timing of the communication.
- Event
- Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony
- Original flag-bearers
- Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Manu Bhaker
- Replacement
- Pawan Sehrawat
- Official explanation
- The Indian Olympic Association called the matter a technical issue.
- Toor’s account
- He was informed about the position only the day before the event.
- Kit issue
- Toor’s official ceremonial kit had not reached him in time.