The Indian contingent participates in a march during the Asian Games opening ceremony in Japan, in Nagoya, on September 19, 2026.
| Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy
Two-time Asian Games defending champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor was replaced as India’s flag-bearer by kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat, as the shot putter didn’t have his ceremonial kit. Manu Bhaker was the other flag-bearer.
The reasons for the mix-up, however, are not so clear
Tajinderpal — who was part of the Indian contingent that left early to train and acclimatise at Tsukuba University — had apparently forgotten to pack it in his kit before departure. It was later learned that the Athletics Federation of India had failed to pick up the ceremonial kits from the Indian Olympic Association.
Sources said the AFI was unaware of the entire goof-up until Tajinderpal decided to get his outfit ready, even though it had acknowledged and appreciated the IOA’s decision to name him for the role. Tajinderpal, too, posted a video thanking the IOA for the honour. In fact, the entire Indian athletics squad missed out on the opening ceremony on Saturday.
Either way, with no time for the kit to reach Tajinderpal despite the best efforts, the gentle giant was forced to pull out of what would have been the highlight of an illustrious career.
Published – September 19, 2026 11:36 am IST
