New Delhi: Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and defending Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor will lead the Indian contingent as flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan on Saturday.
India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav confirmed Bhaker’s appointment, while the Athletics Federation of India announced Toor as the second flag-bearer.
Bhaker heads into the Asian Games with an impressive Olympic record. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, she became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single edition of the Games.
Toor, meanwhile, will carry the Indian flag after his success at the last two editions of the Asian Games. The shot putter has won gold in the event at both competitions and enters the 2026 Games as the defending champion.
Logistical challenges for Indian contingent
India’s preparations for the Games have, however, been affected by accommodation, accreditation and transportation issues.
Sahdev Yadav said additional arrangements were made after the contingent faced difficulties on arrival. The Sports Authority of India has booked extra hotel rooms and arranged transportation independently for athletes.
According to Yadav, 18 additional rooms have already been booked, with another 10 expected to be secured. He also said accreditation procedures were taking considerable time and that transportation arrangements had been made to ensure athletes could travel without disruption.
Despite the initial logistical hurdles, the focus is now on ensuring that Indian athletes have proper accommodation and transport so they can concentrate on their events.
With Bhaker and Toor leading the contingent at the opening ceremony, India will begin its Asian Games campaign with attention turning to its medal prospects across sporting disciplines.
