Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor named India’s flagbearers for Asian Games 2026
The Aichi-Nagoya Games officially begin on September 19
Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named India’s flag bearers for the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony, which will take place on September 19, 2026. India have sent a 508-member contingent to the 20th edition of the continental tournament.
Bhaker, a two-time Olympic medallist, and Toor, a two-time Asian Games champion, will lead the Indian contingent during the opening ceremony, which will be held at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav had earlier announced Bhaker’s selection as the flag bearer, and Team India later also confirmed Toor’s selection on X.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Full list of India’s contingent
Bhaker, Toor lead Indian contingent
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Both Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor are two of the most accomplished athletes at the Asiads.
Bhaker was part of the Indian women’s team that clinched gold in the 25m pistol event at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games. She also clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The 24-year-old shooter clinched two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat in a single Olympic edition. Bhaker will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol and women’s 25m pistol events at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Toor, meanwhile, is a double Asian Games gold medallist and is the reigning shot put champion in the tournament. He clinched gold at the Gold Coast 2018 Games before defending his title at the Hangzhou 2022 Games with a best throw of 20.36m.
He also took part in the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. However, he missed out on a podium spot, finishing fifth with a best throw of 20.27m.
“I am feeling proud that I will be one of the flag-bearers of the Indian contingent,” Toor said. “It’s a dream of every athlete to be flagbearer of his or her country. I thank the IOA for giving me the honour.”
“It’s a big moment of a lifetime for me that I am going to be the flagbearer along with an Olympic medallist (Bhaker).”
India’s campaign is already underway at the Asian Games 2026. The men’s teqball team lost twice in the group stage and exited before reaching the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the Indian women’s cricket team secured an eight-wicket win over Japan and progressed to the semi-finals.
Who are India’s flagbearers for the Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony?
Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor will lead India’s contingent.
When will the Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony take place?
It is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
When will the Asian Games 2026 take place?
It will be held in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
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