Archive · 19 Sep 2026
India's 503-Member Contingent Debuts Gujarati Sarees, Bandhgalas at Asian Games
The Asian Games began in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19.
Athletes from many Asian countries attended the opening ceremony.
India’s team wore matching navy-blue clothing.
The women wore sarees with a Gujarati-style drape.
The men wore traditional bandhgalas.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat carried India’s flags.
Pawan replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor at the last minute because Toor reportedly did not receive his kit in time.
India sent 503 athletes to compete in 36 sports.
The 20th Asian Games opened in Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, September 19.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat carried India’s flags during the athletes’ parade.
Indian female athletes wore navy-blue sarees with Gujarati-style pallu drapes.
Male athletes wore coordinated navy-blue bandhgalas during the opening ceremony.
India sent 503 athletes—269 men and 234 women—to compete in 36 sports.
- Who
- India’s 503-athlete contingent, led by flag-bearers Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat.
- What
- The Indian team participated in the 20th Asian Games opening ceremony wearing coordinated navy-blue sarees and bandhgalas.
- When
- Saturday, September 19; the ceremony was scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST.
- Where
- Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan.
- Why
- The athletes were representing India at the Asian Games, using attire that combined contemporary styling with Indian traditional elements.
- Event
- 20th Asian Games
- Host location
- Nagoya, Japan
- Opening ceremony venue
- Paloma Mizuho Stadium
- Indian contingent
- 503 athletes
- Gender distribution
- 269 men and 234 women
- Sports represented
- 36 sporting disciplines
- Flag-bearers
- Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat