Asian Games 2026 LIVE: Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sherawat to be India's flag-bearers at opening ceremony today

The Indian delegation arrive for the flag-hoisting ceremony for the Asian Games at the garden pier near Nagoya port in Japan on September 18, 2026 | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy The Asian Games opens on Saturday (September 19, 2026) in Nagoya, Japan, with an opening ceremony in which the Indian contingent will take part, led by Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat.Shot-put gold medallist Tajinderpal Singh Toor was the original choice for the male flagbearer, but he has ⁠not received his official ceremonial kit and cannot attend the event.ALSO READ | Editorial on the Asian Games 2026Toor, who is aiming for his third straight ‌Asian Games gold in ‌shot ⁠put, is replaced by ⁠kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat. Shooter Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze ‌medals at the Paris Olympics, is the female flagbearer.In the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, in 2023, India won a record 106 medals overall, including 28 gold. Follow the live updates here:September 19, 2026 12:30 India men’s cricket team dealing with clothing issue ahead of departureMembers of the Indian men’s cricket team are awaiting the right-size kits ahead of their departure for the Asian Games in the wee hours of SundayAsian Games: India men’s cricket team dealing with clothing issue ahead of departure forIndia's men's cricket team faces jersey sizing issues ahead of the Asian Games, prompting BCCI to arrange accommodations independently.September 19, 2026 12:28 Key Indians to watch out for Asian Games 2026: Key Indian players to watch out for2026 Asian Games: Discover key Indian athletes to watch at the games, including PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, and Manu Bhaker.September 19, 2026 12:14 Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat replaces Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India's flag-bearerSeasoned kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India’s flag-bearer for the Asian Games opening ceremony today as the celebrated shot-putter does not have the ceremonial kit in his luggage, which will prevent him from attending the gala event.Read more here:Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat replaces Tajinderpal Singh Toor as Asian Games flag-bearerKabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat steps in as Asian Games flag-bearer, replacing shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor.September 19, 2026 12:13 Editorial: India might get another 100-medal haul from a smaller contingentAt the previous Hangzhou Asiad, India had an impressive tally of 106 medals and was placed fourth behind China, Japan and South Korea. There is a significant drop in the number of Indian athletes, from 650-plus in 40 disciplines three years ago, following rationalisation, discouraging a mad rush because of the perks and money associated with the Asiad. Nevertheless, Indian sports authorities expect around 100 medals, which may noticeably improve the athlete-to-medal ratio.Read the full editorial here.September 19, 2026 12:12 Games set to open in Japan after turbulent build-upThe 20th Asian Games will open in Japan on Saturday (September 19, 2026) with a glittering ceremony following a stuttering build-up to a multi-sport spectacular that has more participants than the Olympics.The first gold medal will be won on Sunday (September 20) morning, likely in the men’s individual triathlon, and will be followed by 468 more in more than 40 sports before the curtain comes down on October 4.Read more here.September 19, 2026 12:11 Preview: Time for India’s athletes to make it countThe number of athletes may have been reduced but India’s ambitions of flexing its sporting muscle at the continental level will be tested when the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games officially kickstart at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya on SaturdayAsian Games 2026 | Time for India’s athletes to make it countIndia's athletes gear up for the 2026 Asian Games, aiming to exceed their record medal tally and showcase their potential. Published - September 19, 2026 12:10 pm IST