Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker is set to co-lead the Indian contingent as flag-bearer at the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya on Saturday, alongside kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat. For Bhaker, the honour has prompted a deeply personal reflection on her journey from a nervous 16-year-old debutant to one of India's most decorated young athletes.

A moment that brought back memories

Bhaker, who is competing at her third Asian Games, revealed she learnt of the flag-bearer appointment just the day before the announcement went public. “Honestly, when I got to know yesterday, I had all these flashback memories of my earlier days. And, you know, when I started, I never thought that this is where I could reach one day in my sport. So, it is definitely a very heartwarming feeling. I feel really proud, honoured, and happy to be chosen as the flag bearer of my homeland. I just want to say thank you to God and thank you to everyone for all the love and support,” she said in an Indian Olympic Association (IOA) video.

From Jakarta to Nagoya: A shooter's Games diary

Bhaker made her Asian Games debut at the 2018 edition in Jakarta and Palembang, though logistical realities of the shooting schedule meant she missed out on the opening ceremony then. Her coach, Jaspal Sir, had set a clear condition — attendance at ceremonies was only permitted for flag-bearers, given that shooting events traditionally begin as early as Day 1 or Day 2 of competition.

“I remember I was 16 years old at my first Asian Games, and this is my third. My first one was in Jakarta, though we were in Palembang, which was really far from the main village, so we were not able to go there. The first ceremony I ever attended was at the Commonwealth Games,” she recalled. “Every time I attended an opening ceremony, I was either holding the flag or watching it on TV. It feels very nostalgic because I never imagined I would be here one day.”

Bhaker's message to the Indian contingent

With reports of logistical issues at the Nagoya Asian Games circulating on social media, Bhaker took a measured but motivating stance, urging fellow Indian athletes to channel their energy into performance rather than complaints.

“To all the athletes participating from India in the Asian Games in Japan, my message is that yes, we will have some issues. I saw a couple of issues circulating on social media, and people telling me about this or that. Regardless, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience. We have to make sure that we enjoy this time rather than complaining, and have the best time of our lives,” she said.

The bigger picture: Effort over outcome

Bhaker also addressed the pressure of medal expectations, framing performance as the primary goal rather than the podium result. “We should prepare as best as we can and try to perform at our best. We have all worked so hard to be here, and we can't waste our energy complaining about what's right or wrong. Instead, the best we can do is give our best. Winning a medal or not is a different story, but what is in our hands is to give our best,” she concluded.

This comes amid heightened expectations for India's shooting contingent, given Bhaker's landmark double-medal performance at the Paris Olympics 2024. Her composure and leadership, both on the range and off it, now extend to setting the tone for an entire national squad at a marquee continental event.