Indian shot put athlete Tajinderpal Singh Toor was unable to serve as a flagbearer during the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, due to a delay in receiving his official ceremonial kit.
Toor, a two-time Asian Games champion, had been selected to lead the Indian contingent alongside double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker. However, the athlete informed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) that he could not participate because his ceremonial attire had not arrived in time for the event.
According to Toor, he was notified of his selection as flagbearer only one day prior to the ceremony. He stated that he was informed the kit was expected to arrive at Nagoya airport at approximately 3:00 p.m., leaving insufficient time to collect the items and reach the venue. Toor noted that had he received earlier notice, his coach could have transported the kit to Japan.
The Indian athletics team, which has been participating in an acclimatization camp at the University of Tsukuba since September 13, was not originally scheduled to attend the opening ceremony. Consequently, the athletes had traveled with their competition gear rather than their ceremonial uniforms. The IOA characterized the situation as a technical issue.
Following Toor’s withdrawal, kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat was selected as a replacement to carry the flag alongside Bhaker. Toor, who secured gold medals in the shot put at both the 2018 and 2022 Asian Games, is now preparing to compete for a third consecutive title.
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