The Indian contingent's plans for the Paris Olympics opening ceremony took an unexpected turn when shot-put champion Tajinderpal Toor was abruptly removed as flag-bearer over an administrative lapse. According to sources within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Toor did not provide mandatory identity and address documents required for his nomination in time, prompting officials to name badminton star PV Sindhu as his replacement.
Toor, 31, earned his spot on the Indian squad at the Paris Games after winning silver at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest earlier this year, setting a new national record of 21.87 metres in the process. His athletic achievements on the global stage made him a natural choice among sportspersons for the prestigious flag-bearer role.
The IOA, however, stated in a brief communication that the athlete "did not respond to repeated reminders" to submit documents, including proof of identity and residential address, before the prescribed deadline. An unnamed IOA spokesperson confirmed the procedural failure but declined to elaborate further.
In response, Toor's coach Jagmohan Singh posted on social media expressing deep disappointment, calling the decision "deeply hurtful" and questioning how an athlete who qualified purely on sporting merit could be singled out for an administrative technicality. Several fellow athletes and sports administrators publicly voiced their support for Toor, calling the move unfair.
PV Sindhu, already the first Indian woman to win individual Olympic medals — bronze in 2016 and 2020 — was named to take over the role. Sindhu, 30, will make her Olympic debut this week as well, having also secured qualification through strong international performances.
The IOA is expected to issue an updated official list of the Indian contingent ahead of the July 26 opening ceremony at Stade de France.
