Games-Kit blunder forces India to change Asian Games flagbearer

On September 19, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that male flagbearer Tajinderpal Singh Toor would not be able to participate in the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya, Japan. This decision was made due to a lack of his official ceremonial kit, which is essential for the role. Toor, a shot put athlete aiming for his third consecutive Asian Games gold, informed the IOA that his kit was expected to arrive at the airport by 3 p.m., making it difficult for him to attend on time.

The IOA stated that Toor could not be the flagbearer due to a technical issue. In his place, kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat will take on the role as the male flagbearer. Female flagbearer Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, retained her position. Toor expressed disappointment, stating that his kit was left behind in India, and his coach could not retrieve it for him as he had already arrived in Japan. The IOA confirmed Toor's inability to be the flagbearer in a statement.