Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Manu Bhaker Named India’s Flag-Bearer for Asian Games Opening Ceremony
Manu Bhaker has been chosen to carry India’s flag at the Asian Games opening ceremony.
Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat will be the other Indian flag-bearer.
Bhaker said the honour made her feel proud, happy and emotional.
It reminded her of when she was beginning her sports career.
The 2026 Games will be her third Asian Games.
She explained that shooting athletes often miss ceremonies because their matches begin soon afterward.
Some Indian athletes have reported accommodation problems in Japan.
Bhaker asked the team to enjoy the special opportunity, prepare well and do their best.
Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat will carry India’s flags at the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony.
Bhaker said the honour brought back memories of her early sporting days and progress in shooting.
The 2026 Asian Games will be Bhaker’s third, after her first appearance in 2018.
She said shooters often miss opening ceremonies because competitions begin on the first or second day.
Bhaker urged Indian athletes to enjoy the event despite reported accommodation problems in Aichi and Nagoya.
- Who
- Indian shooter Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat will be India’s flag-bearers.
- What
- Bhaker was chosen as a flag-bearer for the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony.
- When
- The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, ahead of the main competitions.
- Where
- The Asian Games are being held in Japan, with reported accommodation issues in Aichi and Nagoya.
- Why
- Bhaker said the honour reflected her sporting journey and encouraged athletes to focus on enjoying the event and performing well.
Focus on the experience
Address athlete concerns
How athletes should respond to problems
Focus on the experience
Bhaker urged athletes to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and avoid wasting energy complaining.
Address athlete concerns
The reported accommodation problems in Aichi and Nagoya were genuine concerns mentioned by Indian athletes and circulated on social media.
Ceremony attendance for shooters
Focus on the experience
Attending an opening ceremony can be meaningful and nostalgic, especially when an athlete is carrying the flag.
Address athlete concerns
Shooting coaches may restrict attendance because competitions often begin the next day or on the first two days, creating physical demands for athletes.
- Indian flag-bearers
- Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat.
- Event
- Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony.
- Bhaker’s participation
- This will be Bhaker’s third Asian Games.
- Bhaker’s first Asian Games
- She competed in 2018 in Jakarta but stayed in Palembang and missed the ceremony.
- Bhaker’s events
- Women’s 10m air pistol, women’s 25m pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team.
- Reported concern
- Several Indian athletes struggled with accommodation in Aichi and Nagoya.
- Pawan Sehrawat’s appointment
- He replaced shot put athlete Tajinderpal Singh Toor as male flag-bearer because of technical issues.
