20th Asian Games open in Aichi-Nagoya; Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat lead India as flag-bearers
On 19 September 2026, Japan's Emperor Naruhito declared the 20th Asian Games open in Aichi-Nagoya, with Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat carrying India's flag at the opening ceremony.
Summary
The 20th Asian Games opened with a ceremony at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, and run from 19 September to 4 October 2026. Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian contingent in the Parade of Nations. Pawan Sehrawat replaced shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor as the male flag-bearer because Toor's official kit had not arrived in time. Pawan Sehrawat was part of India's gold-winning men's kabaddi team at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Prime Minister Modi sent his best wishes to the Indian contingent as the Games began.
Key facts
- Edition and host
- 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Dates
- 19 September – 4 October 2026
- Declared open by
- Emperor Naruhito of Japan
- Opening venue
- Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Nagoya
- India's flag-bearers
- Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat (replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor)
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Who were India's flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya?
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Correct answer: B — Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat
Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat led India; Sehrawat replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor.
Who declared the 20th Asian Games open in Aichi-Nagoya on 19 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Emperor Naruhito of Japan
Japan's Emperor Naruhito declared the 20th Asian Games open.
Pawan Sehrawat became India's male flag-bearer at the 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony in place of which athlete?
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Correct answer: A — Tajinderpal Singh Toor
Shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was replaced because his official kit had not arrived in time.
Consider the following about the 2026 Asian Games: 1. The Games run from 19 September to 4 October 2026. 2. The opening ceremony was held at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as reported by The Tribune and India Today.