Kit delays force flag bearer change at Asian Games
India faces a sudden leadership change for the 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony. Kabaddi champion Pawan Sehrawat will now carry the national flag alongside shooter Manu Bhaker. This late adjustment occurred because two-time Asian Games gold medalist Tajinderpal Singh Toor did not receive his official ceremonial kit in time. Without the required attire, the champion shot-putter could not travel from his training base to Nagoya for Saturday's gala event. Toor confirmed he is staying at the University of Tsukuba, where Indian track and field athletes are currently preparing.
Sehrawat brings immense experience to the role, having helped secure gold for the national kabaddi team at the previous tournament. He now guides a robust 503-member athlete group competing across 35 different sports. Indian fans can watch the event live on Sony Sports channels and SonyLIV at 2:30 pm IST. Organizers already faced minor scheduling hiccups on Friday, delaying a traditional flag-hoisting event by over an hour due to local miscommunication.
Missing the opening march does not impact Toor's upcoming events. The 31-year-old athlete aims to defend his shot-put titles from Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2023. India enters Nagoya hoping to improve upon their historic 2023 performance, where athletes secured 107 total medals, including 28 golds. Early competitions in women's cricket, soft tennis, and teqball have already started as the country pursues another record-breaking sporting campaign.
