Nagoya, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat said he was filled with pride after being named India’s co-flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games, despite receiving the news late and staying awake through the night.
Sehrawat was handed the honour after Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who had earlier been named a flag-bearer, was ruled out due to technical issues. Sehrawat will carry the Indian tricolour alongside double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker at the opening ceremony.
Speaking in a video shared by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Sehrawat said he was excited about participating in the Games but was even more thrilled about carrying the national flag.
“It is a very proud moment for me. We have a practice schedule. Normally, I practise according to the schedule set by our coaches or the IOA. I did not sleep last night. Today, I went to the gym in the morning and came here,” he said.
“I have been awake for the whole night. But I still have the energy to carry my nation’s flag in my hands. It is a proud situation for me,” he added.
The kabaddi player said he initially kept the news within his family and informed only his elder brother, Ankur, after receiving a call from him during the night.
“I told everyone in the morning. I did not tell anyone, not even my close ones. I only informed my elder brother, Ankur. I texted him last night because he gave me a call in the night,” Sehrawat said.
The 2022 Asian Games gold medal-winning captain also expressed his excitement at sharing the flag-bearing responsibility with Bhaker, whom he has met previously.
“I have met her before. She is a very motivated athlete. It is a proud moment for me as well. I will go with the Olympic medallist as the flag-bearer,” he said.
Recalling his first meeting with Bhaker, Sehrawat said she had delivered a motivating speech when she visited the Indian contingent.
“She came to meet the entire Indian team. Today will be our second meeting,” he said.
FOLLOW NOW
