1 hr ago
Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat Lead India at Asian Games Opening
The 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony included India’s athletes.
Shooter Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat carried India’s flags.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor was supposed to join Bhaker, but he could not attend because his ceremonial clothing was delayed.
India’s men’s hockey team was also missing from the ceremony.
The hockey players had to prepare for their first match the next morning.
Former hockey star PR Sreejesh talked about the athletes during the broadcast.
Tennis player Sania Mirza joined him in the English commentary box.
Mirza said an opening ceremony is a very special experience.
She believes every athlete should attend one at least once.
Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent as flagbearers at the 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony.
Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was originally scheduled to accompany Bhaker but missed the ceremony because of a delay receiving his ceremonial kit.
Indian men’s hockey players did not attend the ceremony because they are scheduled to play their first match the following morning.
Hockey legend PR Sreejesh discussed the Indian athletes from the commentary box, while Sania Mirza joined him for English commentary.
Mirza called the opening ceremony an “experience of a lifetime” and said every athlete should experience it at least once.
- Who
- Indian athletes, led by Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat, attended the opening ceremony; Tajinderpal Singh Toor and the men’s hockey team were absent.
- What
- The opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games took place, with Bhaker and Sehrawat serving as India’s flagbearers.
- Where
- When
- September 19, 2026.
- Why
- The ceremony formally presented participating athletes, while some Indian athletes missed it because of logistical issues or competition schedules.
Key facts
- Event
- 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony
- Indian flagbearers
- Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat
- Originally planned flagbearer partner
- Tajinderpal Singh Toor
- Reason Toor missed the ceremony
- A logistical delay in receiving his ceremonial kit
- Absent Indian team
- India’s men’s hockey team
- Hockey team’s schedule
- Its first match was scheduled for the following morning
- English commentary
- PR Sreejesh and Sania Mirza
Quotes
Pawan Sehrawat
Indian kabaddi player and India’s male flag-bearer
“When I started, I never thought that this was where I could reach one day in my sport. So, it is definitely a very heartwarming feeling. I feel really proud, really honoured, and really, really happy to be chosen as the flag bearer for my country.”
businesstoday.in
“It is a very proud moment for me... I did not sleep last night. Today, I went to the gym in the morning and came here. I have been awake for the whole night. But I still have the energy to carry my nation's flag in my hands.”
businesstoday.in
Sources
Related news
Manu Bhaker Named India’s Flag-Bearer for Asian Games Opening Ceremony
Pawan Sehrawat Replaces Tajinderpal Toor as Asian Games Flag-Bearer
Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Toor Named India’s Asian Games Flag-Bearers
Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony Set For Aichi-Nagoya
Asian Games Begin in Nagoya with India’s Medal Hopes
20th Asian Games Open In Nagoya As India Targets Medals
Tajinderpal Toor Breaks Silence On Asian Games Flag-Bearer Controversy
Rishabh Pant Backs Indian Athletes Ahead of Asian Games 2026
