NEW DELHI: India kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat could not sleep after learning that he would carry the Indian flag at the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony.Sehrawat was named India’s co-flag-bearer alongside double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker after a late change. Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who was earlier named as a flag-bearer, was ruled out due to technical issues.The 2022 Asian Games gold-medal-winning captain said the honour made him so excited that he stayed awake through the night.
‘I did not sleep last night’
Sehrawat said he still had enough energy to carry the Indian flag despite not sleeping.“It is a very proud moment for me. We have a practice schedule. Normally, I practise according to the schedule set by our coaches or the IOA. I did not sleep last night. Today, I went to the gym in the morning and came here.“I have been awake for the whole night. But I still have the energy to carry my nation’s flag in my hands. It is a proud situation for me,” Sehrawat said in an IOA video.
Only elder brother knew
Sehrawat said he did not tell anyone about the news immediately. He only informed his elder brother, Ankur, after receiving a call from him during the night.“I told everyone in the morning (flag-bearer news). I did not tell anyone, not even my close ones. I told everyone in the morning. I only informed my elder brother, Ankur. I texted him last night because he gave me a call in the night,” he highlighted.
‘I will go with the Olympic medallist’
Sehrawat will share the honour with Manu Bhaker, who won two medals at the Paris Olympics.The kabaddi star said he was proud to walk alongside the decorated shooter at the opening ceremony.“I have met her before. She is a very motivated athlete. It is a proud moment for me as well. I will go with the Olympic medallist as the flag bearer.“It is a good moment for me to go with such a big athlete. When I met her for the first time, she gave a very motivating speech. She came to meet the entire Indian team. Today will be our second meeting,” he said.
