Nagoya, September 19: India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya have undergone a last-minute change, with kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat replacing shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor.
Sehrawat will now lead the Indian contingent alongside shooter Manu Bhaker at Saturday’s opening ceremony, following confirmation from India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav.
Toor, a two-time Asian Games gold medallist, was initially named the male flag-bearer but will miss the ceremony after his official ceremonial kit failed to reach Japan in time. The athlete said the kit was expected to arrive at Nagoya airport only at 3 pm, making it difficult for him to reach the venue before the ceremony.
The change brings Sehrawat, a member of India’s gold-medal-winning men’s kabaddi team at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, into the spotlight as he takes on the responsibility of carrying the national flag.
Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist, retains her role as India’s female flag-bearer.
While Toor will miss the opening ceremony, he remains part of India’s athletics contingent and will be aiming for another Asian Games title in shot put.
The last-minute change comes amid logistical concerns surrounding the Indian contingent’s preparations for the continental showpiece in Japan.
