Emperor Naruhito Opens Asian Games as Bhaker and Sehrawat Lead India

The 20th Asian Games opened in Nagoya on Saturday, 19 September. Japan's Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open at Paloma Mizuho Stadium. IOC president Kirsty Coventry and OCA president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani were present.

Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat carried the flag for India. Bhaker won two bronze medals at Paris 2024. Sehrawat was part of India's gold-winning kabaddi team at Hangzhou.

Sehrawat came in at the last minute. Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was first picked as the male flag-bearer. He could not take part because of a kit issue.

The Games run until 4 October. There are 469 medal events in 43 sports. India crossed 100 medals for the first time at Hangzhou and will look to build on that.