Asian Games 2026 Closing Ceremony: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 came to an end on Sunday with a glittering closing ceremony at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, bringing more than two weeks of sporting action across Japan to a close.
One of the special moments for India came when shooting star Neeru Dhanda proudly carried the Tricolour during the Parade of Nations.
Dhanda, who finished the Games with two gold medals and a silver, was named India's women's flag-bearer for the closing ceremony.
Her campaign included gold in the women's individual trap event, silver in the women's team trap event alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer, and another gold with Kynan Chenai in the mixed team trap event.
WATCH: Neeru Dhanda Leads India At Closing Ceremony
The 27-year-old shooter carried the Indian flag as athletes from across the continent gathered for the final celebrations of the 20th Asian Games. Her selection as flag-bearer capped a remarkable campaign in Nagoya, where she emerged as one of India's most successful athletes.
Dhanda also created history during the Games by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual Asian Games gold medal in trap shooting. She topped the women's individual trap final before adding two more medals in the team and mixed-team events.
The closing ceremony featured the traditional Parade of Nations and formally brought the continental sporting extravaganza to an end. The Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani officially declared the Games closed.
Asian Games 2026 Ends With Doha 2030 Handover
The conclusion of the Aichi-Nagoya Games also marked the beginning of the countdown to the next edition. The Asian Games flag was handed over to representatives from Qatar, with Doha set to host the 2030 Asian Games.
The handover marks the return of the continental multi-sport event to Doha, which previously hosted the Asian Games in 2006. Qatar's delegation received the OCA flag during the closing ceremony, formally beginning preparations for the 2030 edition.
The Games in Japan were held from September 19 to October 4, with thousands of athletes and officials taking part across a record programme of events. The closing ceremony carried the “One Asia” theme as the continent's sporting community gathered for the final celebrations.
India Finishes Fourth With 85 Medals
India signed off from the Asian Games with a total of 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze, to finish fourth in the overall standings behind China, Japan and South Korea.
India's campaign featured gold-medal performances across shooting, athletics, hockey, cricket, wrestling and other disciplines, with the country's men and women also securing hockey gold medals.