NAGOYA, September 19: India was forced to make a last-minute change to its male flagbearer for the 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony in Japan, after two-time Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor was unable to receive his official ceremonial kit in time. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) named kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat as his replacement, while shooter Manu Bhaker remains India’s female flagbearer.
Pawan Sehrawat Replaces Tajinderpal Singh Toor
The IOA confirmed the change just hours before the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
Toor had originally been selected to lead the Indian contingent alongside double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, but the shot putter could not take part because his official ceremonial kit had not reached him in Japan.
Pawan Sehrawat, one of India’s leading kabaddi players, was subsequently chosen to carry the Indian flag alongside Bhaker.
Toor Says Official Kit Was Still in India
Toor said his ceremonial kit was still in India and was expected to arrive at Nagoya airport around 3 PM, making it difficult for him to collect it and reach the opening ceremony on time.
He also said none of the members of India’s athletics team had received their kits because the squad had been training separately in Japan before travelling to Nagoya.
According to Toor, he had been informed only a day earlier that he would be one of India’s flagbearers. He said earlier notice could have allowed his coach, who had recently travelled from India, to bring the required kit.
IOA Calls It a ‘Technical Issue’
The Indian Olympic Association described the situation as a “technical issue” that prevented Toor from participating in the athletes’ parade.
The episode has drawn attention because the change came only hours before one of the most prominent ceremonial moments for the Indian contingent.
Toor is a two-time Asian Games gold medallist in men’s shot put and is aiming for a third consecutive title at the Nagoya Games.
Manu Bhaker Remains Female Flagbearer
There has been no change to India’s female flagbearer.
Shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will carry the Indian flag alongside Pawan Sehrawat during the opening ceremony.
Bhaker is among the most prominent athletes in India’s delegation at this year’s Asian Games.
India Sends 503 Athletes to Asian Games
India is fielding a contingent of 503 athletes, including 269 men and 234 women, across the 2026 Asian Games programme.
The squad was expanded from an initially announced 492 athletes following the addition of competitors in disciplines including surfing, athletics and mixed martial arts.
India had sent a record 661 athletes to the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country achieved its best-ever haul of 107 medals.
Asian Games Officially Open Today
The 20th Asian Games officially open on September 19 and will continue until October 4 in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya region.
Around 17,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions are participating, with 469 medal events across 43 sports scheduled during the Games.
Several competitions began before the formal opening ceremony, but Saturday’s ceremony marks the official start of the continental multi-sport event.
India will now be represented by Pawan Sehrawat and Manu Bhaker at the athletes’ parade following the late flagbearer change.
source – Reuters / The Indian Express
Supreme News Network
