Asian Games 2026: Manu Bhaker wore borrowed kit at opening ceremony

The Indian ceremonial kit for the 2026 Asian Games has found itself at the centre of another discussion, this time involving Manu Bhaker.

The Olympic medallist, who was one of India’s flag-bearers at the opening ceremony alongside Pawan Sehrawat, had to wear a borrowed ceremonial kit after the one issued to her did not fit properly.

Issue in Manu Bhaker's ceremonial kit

According to a report in Times of India, Bhaker’s jacket and shoes were the wrong size, forcing her to find another kit before the ceremony.

She eventually wore a ceremonial kit borrowed from a masseuse associated with the Indian shooting contingent.

Manu had initially told the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) that she wanted to focus on her competitions, training and was not interested in being the flag-bearer.

However, she was persuaded by officials at the Indian Olympic Association to take on the role.

Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s kit issue

This issue comes after a similar problem with India’s original male flag-bearer, shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor.

Toor was initially supposed to lead the Indian contingent alongside Manu but could not attend the opening ceremony because his ceremonial kit did not reach him on time. He was eventually replaced by kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat.