Asian Games 2026: Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat unfurl tricolour at Nagoya opening ceremony
The 20th Asian Games opened in Nagoya with a colourful ceremony, as Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent carrying the national flag.
The opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games was held with much fanfare on Saturday at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. Athletes from across Asia gathered at the venue for the start of the continent's biggest sporting event.
The ceremony featured colourful lighting and an elaborate cultural programme. Amid the music and excitement, talk of medal tallies and matches took a back seat for a while as athletes and spectators soaked in the historic moment. Japan's Emperor Naruhito declared the 20th edition of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya open, formally starting the competition in which thousands of athletes will take part over the next two weeks.
The Indian contingent at the stadium was led by athletes from two different sports. Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat were given the responsibility of carrying the Indian flag. The pair proudly held the tricolour aloft as they walked through the venue, drawing loud applause from Indian sports fans present.
While the Indian contingent has arrived in Nagoya, memories of Hangzhou remain fresh. India delivered a historic performance at the 2023 Asian Games, winning 107 medals including 28 gold medals. Expectations from the Indian contingent have grown further since that showing.
Every edition of the Asian Games has its own story. Some chapters belong to familiar champions, while at other times a new athlete makes a spectacular breakthrough while trying to bring glory to their country. Sports fans across Asia will get to enjoy this spectacle over the next two weeks.
