Pawan Sehrawat’s heart was racing long before he ever stepped onto the track at the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony. For the Indian kabaddi icon, the news that he would serve as the nation’s flag-bearer was not just an administrative update—it was a life-altering milestone that cost him a full night of sleep.
The appointment came as a whirlwind for the 2022 Asian Games gold-medal-winning captain. Originally, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had selected shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor for the prestigious role. However, following a late shift in plans due to technical issues, the torch was passed to Sehrawat. When the news finally reached him, the adrenaline surge proved too powerful to overcome, leaving the veteran athlete wide awake in anticipation of the historic moment.
‘I did not sleep last night’
Speaking in an official IOA video released ahead of the ceremony, Sehrawat admitted that while his eyes were heavy from a sleepless night, his spirit was operating at peak capacity. Despite the lack of rest, he maintained his rigorous training routine, refusing to let the personal milestone disrupt his athletic preparation.
“It is a very proud moment for me,” Sehrawat said. “We have a practice schedule, and normally, I practice according to the discipline set by our coaches and the IOA. I didn’t sleep last night—not a wink. I went to the gym early this morning, kept to my routine, and then came straight here. Even though I’ve been awake the whole night, I still have every ounce of energy needed to carry my nation’s flag. It is the greatest honor of my career.”
The transition from the kabaddi mat to the center stage of an international multi-sport event is a testament to Sehrawat’s growing stature in Indian sports. His dedication to the “national colors” is well-documented, but holding the tricolor at the opening ceremony marks the pinnacle of his public service to Indian athletics.
A Private Celebration
True to his humble nature, Sehrawat initially kept the news entirely under wraps, despite the magnitude of the announcement. While most athletes might have been tempted to share such a prestigious honor immediately, Sehrawat opted for a quiet contemplation, breaking his silence only for his immediate family.
He revealed that the only person to get a preview of the news was his elder brother, Ankur. When Ankur called late in the night, the weight of the secret became too much to bear.
“I didn’t tell a soul, not even my closest friends or team staff, until the morning,” Sehrawat explained. “I only informed my brother, Ankur, because he happened to call me while I was sitting there, unable to sleep. I texted him the news right then. Aside from him, I waited until the morning light to share the pride with the rest of the world.”
Walking Beside an Olympic Icon
Sehrawat is set to share the spotlight with a co-flag-bearer whose resume needs no introduction: double Olympic medallist and shooting sensation Manu Bhaker. The pairing represents a fusion of India’s traditional sporting prowess and its modern, world-class excellence on the Olympic stage.
Reflecting on the partnership, Sehrawat expressed deep admiration for the shooter, noting that he had met her previously during a team-wide interaction where Bhaker offered an inspiring address to the Indian contingent.
“I have met her before, and she is a incredibly motivated athlete,” Sehrawat said. “It is a profound moment for me to walk alongside an Olympic medallist. When she came to meet the entire Indian team, she gave such a moving speech that it stayed with me. To be chosen as her counterpart in leading our nation’s athletes is an incredible privilege. Today marks only our second meeting, but it is one I will cherish forever.”
As the Indian contingent prepared for the parade of nations, the sight of Sehrawat—the powerhouse of the kabaddi court—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Bhaker serves as a powerful image of unity. For Sehrawat, the sleepless night was a small price to pay for the chance to represent a billion dreams on the global stage. As he prepares to lead the squad into the arena, the “sleep-deprived” skipper is ready to show the world that his commitment to India is as unshakable as his performance on the mat.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
