Asian Games 2026: Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named India Flag-Bearers

Two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and defending Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19.

Bhaker earned two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning the women’s 10m air pistol event and the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh. She became the first Indian woman to win two medals at a single Olympic Games edition.

Toor enters the continental event as a two-time Asian Games champion. He won the men’s shot put gold at Jakarta 2018 and successfully defended the title at Hangzhou 2023 with a best throw of 20.36 metres. The 31-year-old will attempt to win a third consecutive Asian Games gold.

India is sending a 492-athlete contingent to Aichi-Nagoya and will aim to improve on its record 107-medal haul from the 2023 Hangzhou Games. Neeraj Chopra, one of India’s major medal prospects, will miss the event after an ankle ligament injury ended his 2026 season.

Indian athletes have already begun competing ahead of the opening ceremony. Teqball player Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza has reached the women’s singles semi-finals, while India’s women’s cricket team began its campaign against hosts Japan in the quarter-finals.

Bhaker and Toor will formally lead the Indian contingent during Saturday’s opening ceremony as India begins its campaign across multiple sports.

Published: 7h ago

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