Manu Bhaker, double Olympic medalist, carried the Indian flag as the 20th Asian Games opened in Nagoya.
PM Modi’s X post urged athletes to play well and shine, reminding them of the dedication that brought them here.
The ceremony lit up when Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, with 11,000 athletes from 45 nations in attendance.
Bhaker, a 10m air pistol ace, and Pawan Sehrawat, kabaddi gold‑medallist, led the procession, each carrying the nation’s hopes forward.
India is eyeing a 106‑medal haul, mirroring Hangzhou's record, with stars like PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain and Aman Sehrawat primed to lead the charge.