Tajinderpal Singh Toor has opened up about the last-minute controversy that saw him replaced as India’s male flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2026. Toor was originally nominated for the honour alongside Manu Bhaker, but kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat took his place after the shot-putter was unable to attend because his official ceremonial kit had not reached him in time. The development was called a ‘technical issue’ by the Indian Olympic Association. In an exclusive interview with Sport Now, Toor stated that he was just made aware of the flag-bearer position the day before the event and clarified that his coach could have brought the kit to him if they had communicated sooner.
Toor acknowledged that he felt ‘a bit bad’ about missing the chance, seeing it as a memorable and proud moment that he had wanted to experience.
How Late Communication Created A Challenge
Toor explained that he was just told the day before the opening ceremony that he had been chosen as India’s flag-bearer. He claimed that because his coaches had arrived in Japan at the same time, it was challenging to set up the required ceremonial kit.
“IOA told me yesterday afternoon itself that your name has come up for flag-bearer. So when we came from India, we had come earlier; we hadn’t received the kit then. Maybe it hadn’t been made yet. If the IOA had informed me a day earlier, our coaches came yesterday, so it would have reached us through them. Because of that kit. It is compulsory to wear it there,” Toor told Sports Now.
The shot-putter said that although the kit was supposed to arrive in Nagoya eventually, the timing prevented him from picking it up and getting to the ceremony venue before it started.
“The kit is arriving, but actually, it will reach here at 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM. So by then, the competition, the ceremony will be close to starting. Because if a person reaches the airport at 3:00 PM, it will take another 1.5 to 2 hours,” he said.
Toor Admits He Was Disappointed
Toor, who called the flag-bearing position a proud and memorable experience in his career, was obviously disappointed to miss the chance to lead the Indian contingent.
“Sir, I do feel a bit bad that… it was a very proud moment for me. It was a memorable moment of my life. If I had received the chance… well, I did get it, but just because of the kit, there was a mix-up.”
Federation Tried To Get The Kit To Him
In spite of the last-minute circumstances, Toor stated that he was still in contact with his federation and that attempts were made to provide the ceremonial kit to him.
“I was in touch with the federation. The federation made every effort so that the kit would reach somehow or another.”
While reflecting on what happened, Toor returned to the timing of the communication from the IOA, saying an earlier announcement could have given him more time to make alternative arrangements.
“But if it had been announced a day earlier from the IOA‘s side, it would have helped a lot, because everything happened at the very last moment, right?”