Asian Games Opening Ceremony 2026 LIVE: Manu Bhaker Leads India In Parade, USD 50 Million Opening Ceremony On

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony LIVE Updates: The grand opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2026 is underway at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya. All eyes are on the nations' parade, where India's contingent will also take centre stage. Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker and star kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat are set to be India's flagbearers at the event. The opening ceremony will take place around the "Heartbeat" concept, on which USD 50 million has been spent. Directed by veteran Yukihiko Tsutsumi, the ceremony is intended to make all athletes and spectators feel like they're sharing one heartbeat.

Here are the LIVE Updates from the Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony, straight from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture:

Sep 19, 2026 14:43 (IST)

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Flag march

Seven members of Japan's defence forces bring out the Japanese flag to the centre of the arena. Two more members of the defence forces then assist in hoisting the Japanese flag. 

And now we'll have the national anthem of Japan.

Sep 19, 2026 14:41 (IST)

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Violin performance

A vibrant dance is the first performance of the opening ceremony, and it takes place with a veteran musician performing the violin on the background. The performers then line up to form the word 'WELCOME'!

Sep 19, 2026 14:34 (IST)

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Opening ceremony begins

The opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2026 is underway at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan, and the Emperor and Empress of Japan enter the arena.

Sep 19, 2026 14:22 (IST)

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Change in India's flagbearer lineup

Shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, a two-time Asian Games gold medalist, was initially supposed to be India's flagbearer alongside Manu Bhaker, but was replaced last-minute. "Technical issues" was cited as the official reason by the IOA.

A PTI report suggested that Toor had to be replaced as he did not receive his official kit in time, which will force him to miss the event.

Sep 19, 2026 14:16 (IST)

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony LIVE: India's flagbearers

Double Olympic medalist star shooter and ace kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat will be India's flagbearers at the nations' parade during the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony.

Sep 19, 2026 14:13 (IST)

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Hello and welcome!

A very warm welcome to the live coverage of the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2026! The event is set to begin in just a few minutes from now. Stay tuned to NDTV Sports for all the live updates!

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