Pawan and Manu lead India at Asian Games opening ceremony

In Japan, the 20th Asian Games begin at Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya on Saturday. Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat lead the Indian contingent as the nation’s flag bearers in Nagoya. After the national anthem performance, an A/V presentation of all 43 events that was the part of the Aichi-Nagoya Games. The governor of the Aichi Perfecture, Omhura Hideaki, addressed the athletes and the audience at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium. 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.Japan's Emperor Naruhito declares Asian Games 2026 open at Aichi-Nagoya.

TEAM INDIA AT THE ASIAN GAMES 2026 OPENING CEREMONY!

Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat lead the Indian contingent as the nation’s flag bearers in Nagoya, Japan.#AsianGames | @TheKhelIndia pic.twitter.com/ogDMgBe6Xf

— ;⁠-⁠) (@timeout_7) September 19, 2026

India’s campaign at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will gather momentum on Sunday, with athletes competing across several disciplines, including teqball, shooting, cricket, hockey, badminton and table tennis.