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The Asian Games 2026 are set to begin in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the opening ceremony scheduled for September 19. India has confirmed its flag-bearers for the ceremony, with Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker set to carry the Indian Tricolour.
Star shot putter Tajinder Pal Singh Toor has also been confirmed as India's second flag-bearer. Both athletes will lead the Indian contingent as the country begins its campaign at the continental multi-sport event.
Manu Bhaker Named India’s Flag-Bearer for Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony
Manu Bhaker has been selected as one of India's flag-bearers for the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony. India's Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav confirmed her appointment.
Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics 2024, winning two bronze medals. She became the first female athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.
She won bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event before teaming up with Sarabjot Singh to claim another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
Her selection as flag-bearer adds another major honour to her growing international career.
Tajinder Pal Singh Toor Confirmed as India’s Second Flag-Bearer
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The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced Tajinder Pal Singh Toor as India's second flag-bearer for the opening ceremony.
Toor is one of India's leading shot put athletes and has enjoyed considerable success at the Asian Games. He won the men's shot put gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and has two Asian Games gold medals to his name.
He will now aim to continue his strong record and challenge for another gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Manu Bhaker’s Historic Paris Olympics Record Ahead of Asian Games 2026
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Manu Bhaker's selection comes after her memorable campaign at the Paris Olympics.
The shooter secured bronze in the women's 10m air pistol and followed it up with another bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
Her two-medal achievement made her the first female athlete from independent India to win two medals at the same Olympic Games.
The Asian Games will provide Bhaker with another opportunity to represent India on a major international stage.
Tajinder Toor Eyes Another Gold Medal at Asian Games 2026
Tajinder Pal Singh Toor has already established a strong Asian Games record. He won gold in the men's shot put at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and has collected two gold medals at the continental event.
With another Asian Games campaign ahead, Toor will be aiming to add another gold medal to his collection and maintain his strong record in the competition.
Asian Games 2026 Flag-Raising Ceremony Delayed Ahead of Opening Event
A traditional flag-raising ceremony held ahead of the official opening ceremony also attracted attention after facing delays.
The ceremony, organised as an official welcome for participating teams, started around 20 minutes late before being interrupted. The disruption drew criticism towards the local organisers.
The organisers later apologised for the delay and said that an issue involving one of the participating teams had affected the programme. However, no detailed explanation was initially provided.
Indian Officials Attend Pre-Opening Flag Ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya
India's four Deputy Chefs de Mission- A Sharath Kamal, Lijo David Thottan, Alaknanda Ashok and Anjali Bhagwat—were present during the ceremony.
The event also included representatives from Yemen, North Korea, Palestine and Timor-Leste, among other participating teams.
Manu Bhaker and Tajinder Toor to Lead Indian Contingent at Opening Ceremony
With the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony scheduled for September 19, all eyes will be on Manu Bhaker and Tajinder Pal Singh Toor as they carry the Indian flag.
The two athletes bring major international experience and previous medal-winning performances to the Indian contingent. Their selection adds another significant chapter to their sporting careers as India begins its Asian Games campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
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