Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony: Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat Lead India
The Asian Games 2026 officially begin in Nagoya, with Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat leading India at the opening ceremony after a last-minute flag-bearer change.
The 2026 Asian Games officially get underway in Nagoya, Japan, with India preparing to take centre stage at the opening ceremony. Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat will lead the Indian contingent as flag-bearers after a last-minute change replaced shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor.
The Games have had a challenging build-up, with the absence of a traditional Games Village creating accommodation and transportation difficulties for athletes and officials. India also faced delays around its flag-hoisting ceremony, while organisers had to prepare evacuation plans amid the threat of Typhoon Peipah.
Despite the logistical concerns, Indian athletes have already begun competing before the official ceremony. The women’s cricket team reached the semi-finals after defeating Japan, while teqball player Quimcy Dsouza remains in contention for two bronze medals despite missing out in the singles semi-final.
India’s men’s soft tennis campaign, however, ended in the quarter-finals.
Bhaker is attending her third Asian Games and will lead the Indian contingent alongside Sehrawat, a member of India’s gold-winning kabaddi team from the 2022 Hangzhou Games. Toor, who was initially selected as a flag-bearer, will now focus on defending his Asian Games shot-put title when athletics begins.
The 20th edition of the Asian Games will feature 16 days of competition, with athletes from across Asia competing for medals across multiple sports.
After a somewhat chaotic build-up, the opening ceremony finally gives Nagoya its big moment. Now, it’s time for the athletes to take over.
