Asian Games 2026: Who Will Carry the Tricolour? Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Confirmed

Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and two-time Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor will carry the Tricolour for India at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19.

Manu Bhaker’s selection was announced by India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav, while the Athletics Federation of India confirmed Tajinderpal Singh Toor as the second flag-bearer. Both athletes are among India’s prominent medal contenders at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Manu Bhaker Made History at Paris Olympics

Manu Bhaker arrives at the Asian Games with a landmark Olympic record. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, the shooter won two bronze medals, becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games.

Bhaker won bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event before partnering with Sarabjot Singh to claim another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

Her selection as an Asian Games flag-bearer adds another major honour to her growing international career.

Tajinderpal Singh Toor Eyes Third Asian Games Gold

Tajinderpal Singh Toor has established himself as one of India’s leading shot put athletes at the Asian Games.

Toor won gold in the men’s shot put at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and successfully defended his title at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, which were held in 2023. He will now aim for a third consecutive Asian Games gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya.

The Athletics Federation of India confirmed Toor as India’s second flag-bearer after Bhaker’s selection was announced.

India Begins Asian Games 2026 Campaign

The official opening ceremony is scheduled for September 19, but competitions in some disciplines have already begun. The 20th Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4 in the Aichi-Nagoya region of Japan.

India enters the Games after its record performance at the Hangzhou edition. The country won 107 medals — 28 gold, 38? Wait, official OCA data gives 28 gold, 39 silver and 41 bronze, finishing fourth overall.

With athletes such as Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor leading the contingent at the opening ceremony, attention will now turn to India’s medal campaign across shooting, athletics and other disciplines.

India Looks to Build on Hangzhou Record

India's 107-medal haul at Hangzhou was its best-ever performance at an Asian Games. The 2026 contingent includes several returning champions, with Toor among the athletes looking to defend an Asian Games title.

The sight of Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor carrying the Tricolour at the opening ceremony will mark the start of India’s campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.