Pawan Sehrawat replaces Toor as India flagbearer after kit delay

Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat replaced shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor as India's male flagbearer for the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya on Saturday, September 19, after a last-minute logistical issue prevented Toor from attending. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the change, citing a technical issue with the ceremonial kit. Toor, a two-time defending Asian Games champion, was originally selected to lead the Indian contingent alongside shooter Manu Bhaker. However, he told the Press Trust of India that he was informed about the flagbearer role only on Friday, September 18, and that his ceremonial kit was still in India. He said the kit was expected to arrive at Nagoya airport around 3 p.m. on Saturday, making it impossible for him to collect it and reach the ceremony venue on time. "I am told that my ceremonial kit will reach at 3pm at the Nagoya airport. Reaching the opening ceremony venue after collecting my ceremonial kit from airport on time will be very difficult. So, I have told IOA that I am not coming for opening ceremony," Toor said.