Technical Issue Forces Change: Pawan Sahrawat to Carry Indian Flag in Nagoya

Due to a technical malfunction, the Indian Olympic Association has replaced shooter Tejinderpal Singh Tur with kabaddi ace Pawan Sahrawat as the flag‑bearer for the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony in Nagoya.

The substitution will be visible on Saturday evening at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Aichi‑Nagoya, where Sahrawat will lead the Indian contingent alongside Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker. The official explanation cited equipment and procedural glitches that prevented Tur from performing the ceremonial duty.

Indian athletes, particularly the track and field squad, are finalising preparations at a seasonal camp near the University of Tsukuba before traveling to Nagoya on Monday. Their events are scheduled to commence two days after the opening ceremony, giving them a short window to acclimatise.

For Sahrawat, the honor adds to an impressive list of achievements. He was a key player in India's gold‑medal kabaddi team at the previous Asian Games and served as team captain during that campaign. This time his role is more symbolic, with Sunil Kumar assuming the on‑field captaincy.

Sahrawat also led India to victory at the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship, a performance that earned him the Arjuna Award in 2023. The men's kabaddi side will look to build on its strong continental record, with Sahrawat expected to contribute leadership both on and off the mat.

The ceremony will mark the formal beginning of the Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games, drawing athletes from across Asia to the Paloma Mizuho Stadium for the inaugural rites.