Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat and Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker led the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday.
The ceremony, held at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, marked the formal opening of the 20th Asian Games. India is represented by a 503-athlete contingent competing across 36 sports.
Sehrawat, a member of India’s gold-medal-winning men’s kabaddi team at the previous Asian Games, carried the Tricolour alongside Bhaker. He was named the male flag-bearer after shot put athlete Tajinderpal Singh Toor was replaced due to technical issues.
Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist, won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol, women’s 25m pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the Asian Games.
Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, Bhaker said being selected as one of India’s flag-bearers was a proud and emotional moment. She recalled her early days in shooting and expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career.
Sehrawat will also be part of India’s campaign to defend its men’s kabaddi title. India has won gold in the men’s kabaddi competition at eight of the nine Asian Games editions since the sport’s debut in the team event in 1990. India won bronze in 2018 and reclaimed the gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, defeating Iran 33-29 in the final.
India will be looking to build on its record medal haul from the 2022 Asian Games, where it won 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze.
-ANI
