Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat replaces Tajinderpal Singh Toor as Asian Games flag-bearer
Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat has been named India's flag-bearer for the Asian Games opening ceremony, replacing shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor. The change occurred because the athletics team lacked the required ceremonial kits in their luggage.
Why it matters
Reflects on logistical challenges faced by national sports contingents during international multi-sport events.
Seasoned kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India's flag-bearer for the Asian Games opening ceremony on Saturday (September 19, 2026) as the celebrated shot-putter does not have the ceremonial kit in his luggage, which will prevent him from attending the gala event.
Toor was to join shooting ace Manu Bhaker in leading the national contingent during the ceremony.
30-year-old Sehrawat, who was a part of the gold-winning Indian men's kabaddi team in the previous Asiad, will now take Toor's place, chef-de-mission Sahdev Yadav told PTI .
"I am told that my ceremonial kit will arrive at 3 p.m. at the (Nagoya) airport. Reaching the opening ceremony venue after collecting my (ceremonial) kit from the airport on time will be very difficult. So, I have told IOA (Indian Olympic Association) that I am not coming for opening ceremony," Toor told PTI .
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