Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat will lead the Indian contingent as flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda, who secured two gold medals and a silver, served as India's flag-bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, marking a historic campaign for the country.
Japan hosted a vibrant opening ceremony for the Asian Games in Nagoya, showcasing its technological advancements and cultural heritage. The event, themed 'Harmonic Heart Beat', welcomed 11,000 athletes from 45 nations, despite prior logistical challenges.
The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya, Japan, with a vibrant opening ceremony. Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open, which saw contingents from 45 nations and the OCA Refugee Team participate in the athletes' parade.
Japan inaugurated the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya with a vibrant opening ceremony that seamlessly blended advanced technology and rich cultural traditions, despite earlier organisational challenges.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony featuring a dazzling light and musical show, celebrating Japan's culture and hospitality. The event saw over 350 records broken, including 50 world records, and marked the official handover to Doha for the 2030 Games. India finished fourth in the medal tally with 85 medals.
Thirteen-year-old Yu Zidi's three golds and MVP award provided a golden highlight as the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games closed after a fortnight of logistical problems.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has increased its on-ground support for Indian athletes at the Asian Games in Japan, providing transport for shooters and accommodation for staff, following reports of logistical issues and international criticism against the Organising Committee.
Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker shared her emotional experience as India's flag-bearer at the Asian Games opening ceremony, deeply missing her late coach Jaspal Rana. Rana, who passed away recently, was instrumental in her career and had a unique philosophy about attending opening ceremonies, making Bhaker's flag-bearing role particularly poignant.
The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya with a high-tech opening ceremony. India's 501-member contingent is led by flag bearers Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat, with some events already underway, including India's women's cricket team reaching the semifinals and a teqball bronze medal opportunity.
The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya with a high-tech Opening Ceremony. India's 503-member contingent is being led by Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat. Early events have seen India's women's cricket team reach the semifinals and a medal opportunity in debutant sport teqball, building on India's record performance at the previous Games.
India is determined to host the 2036 Olympics as part of a broader strategy to become a global sporting superpower, despite challenges like limited multi-sport event experience and a poor doping record, according to Indian Olympic Association CEO Raghuram Iyer.
Ace doubles badminton player Satwiksairaj Rankireddy clarified his recent comments regarding the muted public reception after the Indian team won the Thomas Cup bronze medal, emphasising the need to celebrate all sporting achievements.
India is sending a 125-member contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with established stars like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain, alongside rising talents such as Aryan Nehra and Gurindervir Singh, expected to lead the nation's medal charge across 13 disciplines.
The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony at the OVO Hydro, blending Scottish heritage with modern performances. King Charles III declared the Games open, emphasising a message of sustainability, particularly regarding plastic pollution in oceans. The event showcased a new, more compact model for the Games, focusing on existing venues and integrated Para sports, following Glasgow's role as a step-in host.
The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony blending Scottish heritage and a strong message of sustainability. King Charles III declared the Games open, highlighting efforts to combat plastic pollution. The event featured a unique indoor setting, an early athletes' parade including the Indian contingent, and diverse musical and cultural performances, setting a new precedent for the multi-sport event.
The upcoming Republic Day Parade will center around the sesquicentenary of 'Vande Mataram,' featuring themed decorations, performances, and special guests.
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The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony, showcasing Italian culture and athletic spirit, while also highlighting global political tensions through crowd reactions and protests.
The broader theme of the performance will be -- 'Swatantra Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi Ka Mantra - Viksit Bharat', officials said.
The Army Day Parade this year will see participation of an all-girl marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and showcasing of four thematic tableaux, including one based on the force's Mission Olympics Wing.
For the first time in Olympic history, the Opening Ceremony is being held on the banks of the river Seine. More than 6,500 athletes in around 90 boats will sail past the iconic monuments of Paris.
More than 100 members of the Indian contingent, including 52 athletes from various sports, will take part in the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony, which will be held outside a stadium for the first time in the Games' history, here on Wednesday.
The sight of the Tricolour fluttering in the stands sharpens the resolve of the players. It feels as though the flag has been stitched out of the hopes and heartbeat of Indian fans.
Flag-bearers PV Sindhu and Sharath Kamal will lead the 78-strong Indian contingent, representing 12 disciplines, on a historic journey down the Seine River.
Srinagar's Dal Lake on Friday witnessed history as the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival was inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing over 800 participants from across India and abroad.
Admiral R Hari Kumar said while addressing those who completed their four month rigorous training here at INS Chilika, "I assure you (Agniveer), wherever you go, you will be fully prepared with confidence and motivation to face any challenge in the life."
'It is a beautiful portrait of Ek Bharat, Sreshth Bharat.'
France showcased its cultural diversity, spirit of revolution, impeccable craftsmanship, and architectural heritage in a riveting opening ceremony for the 33rd Olympic Games.
Indian contingent led out by Sumit, Bhagyashri at Paralympic opening ceremony
Images from the 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony in Paris on Wednesday.
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As the boat carrying South Korean athletes passed on the Seine, the announcer introduced them as the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" - the official name of North Korea - in French and English.
Among the six languages chosen to highlight the contributions of prominent French women, Hindi was included.
The gigantic Stade de France resembled a concert hall hosting a party to celebrate the fortnight of sporting excellence as the breathtaking Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics kicked-off with athletes marching into the iconic stadium to thunderous applause in Paris on Sunday.
However, the 6,000-odd athletes, 3,000 performers, 300,000 spectators and dozens of world leaders had to endure heavy rain for much of the event.
After a stunning dance performance celebrating India, and highlighting the vibrant and colourful culture of the country, the athletes of the participating nations paraded around the stadium.
Pakistan's two flagbearers also chose not to cover their faces, unlike the vast majority of other participants at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.
As the nation celebrates its 76th Republic Day, India's sports fraternity took to social media to share their patriotic sentiments and wishes with fans across the country on Sunday.
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