Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Toor Named India’s Asian Games Flag-Bearers

India has identified shooters Manu Bhaker and shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor as their flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. This information was shared on September 18 with the opening ceremony to take place on Saturday. Bhaker goes into the event having won two Olympic medals in Paris games, while Toor comes into the Asian Games as a shot put champion from previous Asian Games.

Manu Bhaker to Carry India’s Flag

Manu Bhaker will be among the two Indian flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the games. This information was shared by India’s chef-de-Mission Sahdev Yadav.

Manu Bhaker established herself as one of India’s best athletes when she won two Olympic medals in Paris Games. She has made history as the first Indian athlete to win two Olympic medals in one Olympic event since the nation gained independence.

Second Flag-Bearer for India is Tajinderpal Singh Toor

Bhaker will be joined by another athlete named Tajinderpal Singh Toor as the second flag-bearer for India. Later, the Athletics Federation of India declared this decision.

This Indian athlete has proved his mettle as one of the top shot putters of India in the Asian Games. He has won gold medals in the last two Asian Games tournaments.

This move ensures that the Indian delegation will have a reigning Asian Games champion with an Olympic double medallist during the Asian Games opening ceremony.

When Is the Opening Ceremony of Asian Games?

The opening ceremony of Asian Games 2026 is set to be held in Nagoya on Saturday.

It will officially declare the start of the Games, as all the participants from various countries of Asia will attend the ceremony.

Importance of Flag Bearer

Flag bearers represent the contingent of their nation in the opening ceremony and are chosen among notable players. They perform a ceremonial function and their choice is based on their accomplishments in sports and their contribution to the national contingent.

In case of India, the performances of Bhaker at the Olympics and Toor at the Asian Games are two separate achievements.