Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony Time: When will Nagoya opening ceremony begin and who will carry India’s flag?

Double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker and defending Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor were on Friday named as India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

“Manu Bhaker will be one of the flag-bearers,” India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav said.


Later, the Athletics Federation of India confirmed that Toor will be the second flag-bearer.

Bhaker made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games.

Toor has won gold medals in the men’s shot put at each of the past two editions of the Asian Games.

Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony details:

Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony date and time

The Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony will take place on September 19 at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The ceremony will be held between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm IST.

Who are India’s flag-bearers?

Double Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker and defending Asian Games shot put champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named as India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony.

“Manu Bhaker will be one of the flag-bearers,” India’s Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav said.

Later, the Athletics Federation of India confirmed that Toor will be the second flag-bearer.

What is the theme of the opening ceremony?

The opening ceremony will take its cue from the theme “Harmonic Heart Beat”, symbolising athletes from across Asia connecting heart to heart.

Who is directing the opening ceremony?

Nagoya-born filmmaker Yukihiko Tsutsumi is leading the creative direction for the ceremony. He is known for the 20th Century Boys trilogy and the Trick series.

Tsutsumi also directed Aichi-Nagoya’s segment at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Where will the Asian Games ceremonies be held?

The Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium will host both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Asian Games 2026.

What is India’s record at the previous Asian Games?

India heads into the continental showpiece looking to surpass its record-breaking campaign at Hangzhou 2023, where it won 107 medals, including 28 gold.

Who are India’s flag-bearers Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor?

Bhaker made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games. She won bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event. She was also part of India’s gold-medal-winning women’s 25m pistol team at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Toor is a two-time defending champion in men’s shot put at the Asian Games.