Asian Games Open in Nagoya, India Leads Parade
Asian Games Open in Nagoya, India Leads Parade
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Key Points
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The ceremony was attended by Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and other members of Japan’s imperial family.
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India’s delegation numbers 501 athletes according to one report, while another puts the figure at 503 athletes competing in 36 sports.
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Some competition had begun before the opening ceremony: India’s women’s cricket team reached the semifinals after beating Japan by eight wickets, while Quimcy D’Souza remained in contention for a bronze medal in teqball, making its Asian Games debut.
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Manu Bhaker said being selected as flag-bearer was “really proud, really honoured, and really, really happy,” adding that the moment brought back memories of her early days in shooting.
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India has dominated men’s kabaddi at the Asian Games, winning gold in eight of the nine editions since the sport’s introduction in 1990; its only interruption was a bronze medal in 2018. India defeated Iran 33-29 to win the title at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.
The 20th Asian Games officially opened Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, with Asianet News reporting that Emperor Naruhito declared the competition underway. Olympic bronze medalist Manu Bhaker and kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat led India's 501-athlete delegation during the Parade of Nations. Sehrawat replaced shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor after a technical issue forced the change.
The two-hour ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium blended traditional Japanese elements with high-tech performances, Moneycontrol reported. Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, and other imperial family members attended. India will compete across 36 sports, building on its record performance at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.
Bhaker Reflects on Flag-Bearer Honor
Manu Bhaker, who won bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, called her flag-bearer selection "really proud, really honoured, and really, really happy." The moment brought back memories of her early days in shooting. Bhaker will compete in three pistol events at these Games, seeking to add to her medal haul.
India's Kabaddi Dominance Continues in Quest for Gold
Pawan Sehrawat leads India's kabaddi team, which has won gold in eight of nine Asian Games editions since 1990. India's only interruption was a bronze medal in 2018. At the 2022 Hangzhou Games, India defeated Iran 33-29 to claim the men's title, Daily Hunt reported.
Women's Cricket and Teqball Already Underway
Competition began before the opening ceremony, with India's women's cricket team reaching the semifinals after beating Japan by eight wickets. Meanwhile, Quimcy D'Souza remained in contention for bronze in teqball, which made its Asian Games debut. These early victories set a strong tone for India's performance across the Games.
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