Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony: Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat Lead India

The 20th Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya, Japan, with the Aichi-Nagoya Games beginning amid a busy and occasionally challenging build-up. The 16-day continental sporting event features athletes from across Asia competing for medals across multiple disciplines.

India entered the opening ceremony with Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat as flag-bearers. Sehrawat replaced shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor at the last moment after Toor reportedly faced a delay in receiving his ceremonial kit. Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist, is making her third Asian Games appearance, while Sehrawat was part of India’s gold-winning kabaddi team at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.

The Games had already produced action before the ceremony. India’s women’s cricket team advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Japan, while teqball player Quimcy Dsouza remained in contention for two bronze medals despite losing her singles semi-final. India’s men’s soft tennis campaign, however, ended in the quarter-finals.

The event’s build-up has faced logistical challenges, partly because organisers opted against a traditional Games Village. Athletes and officials have been accommodated across hotels and other locations, leading to concerns over transportation and arrangements. A flag-hoisting ceremony was also delayed, while organisers prepared contingency plans amid a typhoon threat affecting athletes staying on the Costa Serena cruise ship.

With the opening ceremony now underway, attention shifts fully to the competition and India’s medal campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.

Published: 2h ago

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