Asian Games Opening Ceremony Highlights: Manu Bhaker, Pawan Sehrawat Lead India’s March As Emperor Naruhito Opens Asiad

Hello, readers! The wait is finally over. The biggest multisport extravaganza in Asia is here, with the Asian Games 2026 officially getting underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The opening ceremony promises an evening of colour, celebration and sporting spirit as athletes from across the continent come together for the 20th edition of the Games. Stay tuned as we bring you all the live updates from the ceremony.

The Asian Games opening ceremony is scheduled to start at 2:30 PM IST.

The Asian Games opening ceremony will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network in India. The Asian Games opening ceremony will be streamed live in India on the Sonyliv app from 2:30 PM onwards.

Pawan Sehrawat will join Manu Bhaker as India’s flag-bearer at the Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony after replacing Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who will miss the ceremony as he did not receive his official kit in time.

Sehrawat, part of India’s gold-medal-winning kabaddi team at the 2022 Asian Games, will lead the contingent in Nagoya, while Toor will now focus on his bid for a third consecutive Asian Games gold in men’s shot put.

The Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony is officially underway at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, with the IOC chief, Japan’s Emperor and Empress, and several other dignitaries in attendance.

The traditional Japanese performances have set the tone for the evening. The ceremony now moves to the formal proceedings, with Japan’s national flag set to be raised by members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces as the national anthem is played.

The athletes’ parade is now underway, with Afghanistan and Bangladesh among the first contingents to make their way through the stadium. Athletes are waving to the crowd, recording the moment on their phones and adding plenty of colour to the celebrations in Nagoya.

India have arrived at the Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony, with the contingent turning heads in elegant ceremonial sarees and Nehru jacket Jodhpuri outfits as they proudly march through the stadium in Nagoya.

Palestine and Nepal have made their way into the athletes’ parade, with both contingents proudly representing their nations on the Asian Games stage. Their appearances carry added significance amid the different challenges and circumstances facing the two countries.

The athletes’ parade has been followed by addresses from Olympic Council of Asia President Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Aichi Prefecture Governor Omura Hideaki.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito has now officially declared the 2026 Asian Games open. The ceremony then moved into the formal flag-hoisting and oath-taking ceremonies for athletes and officials.

The Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony has come to a close in Nagoya, bringing a spectacular evening of performances, celebrations and memorable moments to an end. Japanese violinist Taro Hakase delivered one final performance before the curtains came down at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

The ceremony is over, but the real action begins now. The Aichi-Nagoya Games 2026 are officially underway, with athletes from across Asia ready to battle for medals.