Pawan Sehrawat, the 2022 Asian Games gold‑medal‑winning kabaddi captain, carried the Indian flag at the 2026 opening ceremony after a sleepless night.
The late‑stage decision replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who was ruled out after a technical glitch, leaving Sehrawat and Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker as co‑flag‑bearers. Sehrawat joked that he hadn't slept the night before, yet he powered through a morning gym session to be ready for the parade.
When asked about the feeling, Sehrawat said, "It’s a proud moment, I still have the energy to carry my nation's flag." He only told his older brother Ankur before the ceremony, keeping the news close to home.
With the flag‑bearing duty complete, the Indian kabaddi team is now focused on their quarter‑final clash against Pakistan, while the rest of the delegation readies for the medal rounds.