"This time we will have two flag-bearers leading the contingent at the Asian Games" says Indian contingent chef de Mission Bhupendar Singh Bajwa.

Tokyo Games bronze medalist Harmanpreet Singh and Olympic medallist Lovlina Boroghain will lead Indian athletes for the continental opening ceremony in Hangzhou on September 23. 

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) took the decision on Wednesday after much deliberation as per Bajwa who is also Wushu Association of India chief.

The largest continent of 655 Indian athletes is competing in the Asian Games this time. 

India's celebrated hockey player, Harmanpreet led India to a historic and much anticipated Bronze medal during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Lovlina had cinched Bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 69 kg category. This year she won gold in 75 kg category at the World's Women's Boxing Championship in New Delhi. 

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra who had done the honors of being India's flag-bearer at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta is a favorite to add a Gold medal to India's tally this year.