India Changes Asian Games Flagbearer After Ceremonial Kit Delay

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

India had to make a last-minute change to its male flagbearer for the 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya, Japan, after shot put athlete Tajinderpal Singh Toor was unable to attend because he did not receive his official ceremonial kit in time.

Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat replaced Toor as the male flagbearer during Saturday’s opening ceremony. Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker served as India’s female flagbearer.

Toor Unable to Reach Ceremony on Time

Toor, 31, said his ceremonial kit was expected to arrive at the airport at around 3pm, leaving him with insufficient time to collect it and reach the opening ceremony venue.

According to news agency PTI, Toor said he had informed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) that he would not be able to attend the ceremony because of the delay.

He explained that the kit was still in India and that he had only been informed about his selection as flagbearer the previous day.

Toor added that his coach, who had already reached Japan, could potentially have collected the kit if the information had been provided earlier.

Pawan Sehrawat Steps In

With Toor unavailable, the responsibility of carrying India’s flag at the opening ceremony was given to kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat.

Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was selected as the female flagbearer.

The Indian Olympic Association described Toor’s absence as the result of a “technical issue” in its statement.

Toor Targets Third Asian Games Gold

Despite missing the opening ceremony, Toor remains one of India’s leading medal contenders in athletics.

The 31-year-old shot putter is seeking his third consecutive Asian Games gold medal in the event.

Toor previously won gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and successfully defended his title at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, which were held in 2023 after being postponed.

His focus will now turn to the competition itself as India begins its campaign at the Asian Games in Nagoya and Aichi.