Asian Games 2026: Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor to Carry India’s Flag at Opening Ceremony

India will have two accomplished athletes leading its contingent at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games, with Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and two-time Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor named the country’s flag-bearers.

The opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is scheduled for September 19 in Japan. Bhaker’s appointment was announced by India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav, while the Athletics Federation of India named Toor as the second flag-bearer.

Bhaker Adds Another Milestone

The honour comes after Bhaker’s memorable outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she became the first Indian woman to win two medals at a single edition of the Games. She first claimed bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. She then joined forces with Sarabjot Singh to secure another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event.

Her performance in Paris marked a defining chapter in her shooting career and made her one of the most prominent members of India’s sporting contingent.

Toor Set for Another Title Defence

Toor will enter the Asian Games carrying an equally impressive record. The shot putter has won gold at both of the previous two editions. He took the top prize at Jakarta 2018 and retained the men’s shot put crown at Hangzhou 2023 with a best effort of 20.36m.

Toor will now attempt to win the event for a third successive Asian Games, adding another chapter to his continental record.

Chopra’s Absence Hits India’s Medal Prospects

India’s preparations have been affected by the absence of javelin star Neeraj Chopra. The Olympic champion pulled out of the Asian Games after suffering an ankle ligament injury during training, bringing his 2026 season to a premature close.

Bhaker and Toor remain among the athletes expected to attract considerable attention as India seeks another strong medal tally. A total of 492 Indian athletes are part of the contingent in Aichi-Nagoya. India will be looking to build on its record-breaking performance at Hangzhou 2023, where it won 107 medals.

Competition Underway Ahead of Opening Ceremony

Indian athletes have already begun competing in some disciplines before the formal opening ceremony.

Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza has entered the women’s singles semi-finals in teqball. A victory in the next round would guarantee India its maiden Asian Games medal in the sport. The women’s cricket team has also made a strong start after facing hosts Japan in the quarter-finals. India bowled Japan out for just 57 and moved closer to a place in the semi-finals.

The Indian contingent’s flag-hoisting ceremony on Friday was delayed amid logistical difficulties. The focus will now shift to the opening ceremony, where Bhaker and Toor will lead India’s athletes into the Aichi-Nagoya Games.