India’s flag bearers revealed: Bhaker, Toor to lead contingent at Asian Games opening
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Who published it, and when
3 reports left out of the cascade - too little in common with the story to place
How it spread - 14 original reports
Fri, 18 September 2026
1 report- Times of India06:30
As the Asian Games opening ceremony approaches, Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been chosen to carry India's flag, symbolising the country's sports spirit. Bhaker, celebrated for her double Olympic medal triumph, recently earned two bronzes at the Paris Olympics. Toor, a leader in shot put with two previous Asian Games titles, brings valuable experience.
Sat, 19 September 2026
8 reports- Times of India00:53first to report
Pawan Sehrawat has been chosen as the flag-bearer for India's opening ceremony at the Asian Games, stepping in for Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who faced delays with his official kit. Toor mentioned that his kit would arrive too late to participate in the event. Additionally, the athletics team is still waiting for their uniforms. Sehrawat will accompany Manu Bhaker in carrying the Indian flag.
- Channel News Asia04:01
- prokerala.com06:35
Manu Bhaker's journey from a 16-year-old making her Asian Games debut to becoming one of India's flag-bearers has given her a moment to refl....
- Times of India08:48
Manu Bhaker has been chosen as India's flag bearer for the Asian Games opening ceremony, an honour that evokes memories of her coach's unwavering attendance policy. Having previously held this role at the Commonwealth Games, Bhaker's ascent to this distinguished position underscores her impressive accomplishments in athletics. Pawan Sehrawat will accompany her as another flag bearer, emphasising India's strong representation at the event.
- Times of India09:13
Sehrawat was named India’s co-flag-bearer alongside double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker after a late change. Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who was earlier named as a flag-bearer, was ruled out due to technical issues. The 2022 Asian Games gold-medal-winning captain said the honour made him so excited that he stayed awake through the night.
- Times of India10:54
As Neeraj Chopra recuperates from an injury, he sends motivational vibes to Team India ahead of the Asian Games 2026. At the opening ceremony, Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian delegation as flagbearers. The nation aspires to break its previous medal tally from the Hangzhou Games. Some events have kicked off prior to the ceremonial start amid the vibrant Aichi-Nagoya atmosphere filled with competitive spirit.
- Times of India13:43
Manu Bhaker said she missed Jaspal Rana during the ceremony, making the special occasion an emotional one. She carried the Indian flag alongside kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat. Rana, a former shooter and coach, died on June 11 at the age of 49. He played an important role in Bhaker’s career and guided her to two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Times of India14:14
As the Asian Games kicked off, Prime Minister Modi sent his heartfelt wishes to the Indian athletes. Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and renowned kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat spearheaded the Indian team. Starting Sunday, these talented athletes will launch their pursuit of medals across multiple sports, with ambitions high to exceed their previous best from Hangzhou. A lineup of celebrated sports stars is set to compete for India’s glory.
Sun, 20 September 2026
1 report- theshillongtimes.com03:36
Wed, 23 September 2026
1 report- Times of India12:34
As Manu Bhaker walked into the mixed zone after the final, it was evident she was struggling to hold back her emotions. She managed to do so until the conversation turned to Rana, who passed away in June. Rana, one of the most decorated shooters in Asian Games history with eight medals, including four gold across three editions, had missed the Hangzhou Games as he was not part of the Indian contingent.
Thu, 24 September 2026
1 report- Times of India13:42
Manu kept India in the race before handing over to Vithya Ramaraj for the final leg. Vithya, known for her strong anchor legs, made up ground on the final lap and pulled India into second place to seal the silver.
Fri, 2 October 2026
1 report- Times of India11:58
Neeru Dhanda’s Asian Games campaign was already one to remember, with the Indian shooter returning from Aichi-Nagoya with 2 gold medals and a silver despite battling viral fever. A day after reaching home in Jind, Neeru received another call - this time informing her that she had been chosen as India’s women’s flag bearer for the closing ceremony.
Wed, 7 October 2026
1 report- Times of India11:01
India's para-athletes will participate in the Asian Para Games from October 18 to 24 in Nagoya, Japan. Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel have been selected as the flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony. Patel expressed pride in carrying the Tricolour and hopes to inspire fellow athletes. The Paralympic Committee of India will send off the contingent at a ceremony on October 8.