Indian flag bearers unveiled: Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor to lead contingent at Asian Games opening ceremony

Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor NEW DELHI: Two-time Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and two-time 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 sports to lead the contingent to 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 significant Olympic success behind him. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the shooter became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Games.She won a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and followed it up with another bronze in the mixed team event in the 10m air pistol alongside Sarabjot Singh, making her one of India’s most prominent performers at the Paris Games.

Toor brings the pedigree of the Asian Games

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 who won gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta before retaining the title in Hangzhou in 2023. He will now look to extend that run in Aichi-Nagoya.The 31-year-old leads an Indian athletics contingent that will look 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 the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium, officially kicking off the 20th Asian Games.

The grand opening follows logistical concerns

The flag bearers were announced on a day when the Indian contingent was also hit by organizational disarray.The Indian team’s traditional welcome and flag-raising ceremony at the Nagoya Port Garden Pier was delayed and then abruptly stopped after organizers cited unspecified “issues” with the team. Deputy Chef de Missions of India A Sharath Kamal, Lijo David Thottan, Alaknanda Ashok and Anjali Bhagwat were present at the ceremony.The disruption occurred due to wider concerns about accommodation, transport and accreditation arrangements in the run-up to the Games. Organizers have decided against a conventional athletes’ village, instead using container accommodation, hotels and a docked cruise ship to accommodate participants.Despite the off-field challenges, India’s sporting campaign is already underway, with athletes competing across disciplines ahead of Saturday’s opening ceremony. The country sent a 503-member contingent to Aichi-Nagoya.

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