Asian Games 2026: Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named Flag-Bearers
Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor will lead India as flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19. Bhaker’s selection was announced by India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav, while the Athletics Federation of India confirmed Toor as the second flag-bearer.
Bhaker arrives at the Games as a double Olympic medallist from the Paris 2024 Olympics. She won bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and another bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.
Toor, meanwhile, is the defending Asian Games shot put champion. He won gold at Jakarta 2018 and successfully defended the title at Hangzhou 2022, where he recorded a best throw of 20.36 metres. He will now aim for a third consecutive Asian Games gold in Aichi-Nagoya.
India is sending a 492-athlete contingent to the Games, which officially run from September 19 to October 4. The country won a record 107 medals at the previous edition in Hangzhou.
The opening ceremony will be held at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on September 19, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at 6 pm local time.
