Asian Games 2026: Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor to Lead India as Flag-Bearers

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

The opening ceremony will take place on September 19. India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav announced Bhaker’s selection, while the Athletics Federation of India confirmed Toor as the other flag-bearer.

Bhaker Gets Another Major Honour

Bhaker enters the Asian Games after a landmark performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The shooter became the first Indian female athlete to win two medals at the same edition of the Olympics.

She secured a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event and later partnered with Sarabjot Singh to win another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol competition.

The achievement established Bhaker as one of India’s most prominent sporting figures and added another significant milestone to her rapidly growing career.

Toor Eyes Third Straight Asian Games Gold

Tajinderpal Singh Toor will carry the Indian flag alongside Bhaker as he prepares for another title challenge in the men’s shot put.

Toor won gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and successfully defended his title at Hangzhou 2023. At the latter Games, he registered a best throw of 20.36 metres.

The 31-year-old will now attempt to become a three-time consecutive Asian Games champion in the discipline.

India’s Medal Hopes Face a Setback

India’s preparations have also suffered a major blow with the withdrawal of javelin star Neeraj Chopra. Chopra was ruled out of the Asian Games after sustaining an ankle ligament injury during training, ending his 2026 season prematurely.

Bhaker and Toor will therefore be among the athletes expected to play a key role in India’s medal campaign.

India has sent a 492-member athlete contingent to Aichi-Nagoya and will aim to improve on its performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where it secured a record 107 medals.

Indian Campaign Begins Before Opening Ceremony

India’s participation has already got underway in several sports despite the official opening ceremony being scheduled for September 19.

Quimcy Joaquim Dsouza has advanced to the women’s singles semi-finals in teqball. Her progress has put her within one victory of securing India’s first Asian Games medal in the sport.

The Indian women’s cricket team has also started its campaign, facing hosts Japan in the quarter-finals. India’s bowlers dismissed Japan for 57, leaving the team in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.

India’s traditional flag-hoisting ceremony on Friday was reportedly delayed because of logistical issues. Attention now turns to Saturday’s opening ceremony, where Bhaker and Toor will lead the Indian contingent.

For Bhaker, the honour comes after her historic double-medal performance in Paris. For Toor, it marks another prestigious moment ahead of his bid for a third consecutive Asian Games shot put title.