Asian Games 2026: Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat Lead India as Flag Bearers at Opening Ceremony

The 20th Asian Games have officially begun in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a grand opening ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium. Star Indian shooter Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat served as India’s flag bearers at the ceremony. Led by the duo, the Indian contingent participated in the athletes’ parade. India has fielded a 503-member contingent for this edition of the Asian Games, with athletes set to compete across 36 sports. Sehrawat, a member of India’s gold-medal-winning men’s kabaddi team at the previous Asian Games, was given the honour of leading the contingent alongside Bhaker.

Manu Bhaker expressed her happiness and pride after being selected as one of India’s flag bearers. Recalling her journey in shooting, she said the news made her reflect on how far she had come since taking up the sport. Manu said she had never imagined reaching such a stage when she first started shooting, making the honour an especially emotional experience. She also thanked everyone who had supported her throughout her journey and said representing the country as a flag bearer was a matter of great pride and honour.