NEW DELHI: Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and two-time defending Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor will carry the Indian flag at the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Saturday, giving the country two champions from different generations of Indian sport to lead the contingent into the continental Games.India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav confirmed Bhaker’s selection on Friday, while the Athletics Federation of India later announced Toor as the second flag-bearer.“Manu Bhaker will be one of the flag-bearers,” Yadav said.Bhaker arrives in Nagoya with a landmark Olympic achievement behind her. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, the shooter became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Games.She won bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and followed it with another bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh, becoming one of the standout Indian performers at the Paris Games.
Toor brings Asian Games pedigree
Toor, meanwhile, will lead India into the opening ceremony with his own strong Asian Games record.The shot putter is a two-time defending champion, having won gold at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games before retaining his title at Hangzhou in 2023. He will now attempt to extend that run in Aichi-Nagoya.The 31-year-old heads an Indian athletics contingent that will be aiming to maintain the sport’s strong contribution to the country’s medal tally. Toor is among the Indian athletes expected to challenge for a podium finish despite entering the Games amid questions over his current form.The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, officially marking the start of the 20th Asian Games.
Opening ceremony follows logistical concerns
The flag-bearers were announced on a day when the Indian contingent was also caught up in an organisational disruption.India’s traditional team welcome and flag-hoisting ceremony at Nagoya Port Garden Pier was delayed and then abruptly halted after organisers cited unspecified “trouble” involving a team. India’s deputy Chef de Missions A Sharath Kamal, Lijo David Thottan, Alaknanda Ashok and Anjali Bhagwat were present for the ceremony.The disruption came amid wider concerns over accommodation, transport and credentialing arrangements in the lead-up to the Games. Organisers have opted against a conventional athletes’ village, instead using container-style accommodation, hotels and a docked cruise ship to house participants.Despite the off-field challenges, India’s sporting campaign is already underway, with athletes competing across disciplines ahead of Saturday’s formal opening. The country has sent a 503-member contingent to Aichi-Nagoya.
