Flag Bearers and National Pride: What This Moment Says About India's Sports Culture The recent news that kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat would carry the Indian flag at the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony, alongside double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, has sent shockwaves of excitement across the country.
The honor is a proud moment for both athletes and reflects a broader trend in India's sports culture: the increasing recognition and celebration of non traditional sports.
Cricket has long dominated India's sporting landscape, with athletes like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli becoming household names.