The Asian Games 2026 concluded in Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, October 4, after 16 days of sporting action. Double gold medallist Neeru Dhanda carried the Indian flag at the closing ceremony.
Asian Games 2026 closing ceremony in Nagoya
The closing ceremony was held at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, also known as Paloma Mizuho Stadium. The main ceremony began at 6 pm local time in Japan, which was 2:30 pm IST.
The Aichi-Nagoya Games began on September 19. Athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees competed across a packed sporting programme during the continental event.
The ceremony marked the formal conclusion of the 20th Asian Games. It also celebrated the sporting achievements of athletes from across Asia and showcased the culture and identity of Aichi and Nagoya.
Neeru Dhanda carries Indian flag
Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda was chosen as India’s flag-bearer for the closing ceremony. She had a memorable campaign at the Asian Games, winning two gold medals and a silver.
Dhanda won gold in the women’s individual trap event. She then added another gold in the mixed team trap competition with Kynan Chenai. She also won silver in the women’s team trap event alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer.
Her performance made her one of India’s standout athletes at the Games. She returned to Japan to lead the Indian contingent at the closing ceremony after completing her shooting events.
India finishes fourth with 85 medals
India finished fourth in the overall medal standings at the Asian Games 2026. The country ended its campaign with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals.
The campaign included several strong performances across different sports. India’s athletes competed throughout the Games as the country looked to build on its performance at the previous edition in Hangzhou.
The closing ceremony brought together athletes and officials for the final celebration of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Doha to host Asian Games in 2030
The closing ceremony also marked the transition to the next Asian Games. The ceremonial flag was handed over to representatives of Qatar, which will host the continental event in Doha in 2030.
With the handover, the sporting spotlight now moves from Japan to Qatar. The Aichi-Nagoya edition officially came to an end after more than two weeks of competition.
The closing ceremony therefore marked both the end of the 2026 Games and the beginning of the countdown to Doha 2030.
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