Nagoya(Japan), 19 September (H.S.): The 20th Asian Games officially got underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday. Athletes and officials from various Asian countries participated in the grand opening ceremony held at Paloma Mizuho Stadium. Emperor Naruhito of Japan formally declared the Games open.

The Indian contingent marched with great enthusiasm during the opening ceremony. Two-time Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker and star kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat were seen leading the Indian contingent, carrying the Tricolour. Indian athletes marched behind them with enthusiasm. Sehrawat was named the flag-bearer at the last minute in place of shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor. The change was made after Toor was unable to receive his official kit on time.

Some competitions at the Asian Games had already begun, but the Games officially commenced with Saturday’s opening ceremony. The ceremony featured traditional Japanese music and dance performances alongside contemporary presentations. This was followed by the Parade of Nations, in which contingents from participating countries took part.

Indian Contingent Makes Special Appearance with the Tricolour

The entry of the Indian contingent was among the highlights of the opening ceremony. Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat led the contingent at the front carrying the Tricolour. Bhaker has won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, while Sehrawat was part of the Indian men’s kabaddi team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

A total of 503 Indian athletes are participating in 36 sports at the 2026 Asian Games. The contingent comprises 269 men and 234 women athletes.

India produced its best-ever performance at the previous Asian Games, winning a total of 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze medals. The Indian contingent has entered this edition of the Games with the aim of building on that performance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar