Neeru Dhanda to Lead India at Asian Games Closing Ceremony
Star trap shooter Neeru Dhanda has been named India's flag-bearer for the 2026 Asian Games closing ceremony following her historic three-medal haul.
In a moment of immense pride for Indian sports, star trap shooter Neeru Dhanda has been chosen to lead the nation as the flag-bearer during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced the decision following Dhanda's extraordinary performance on the continental stage.
The 27-year-old marks a historic milestone not just by carrying the tricolour, but by the sheer dominance she displayed throughout the competition. She will carry the national flag during the Parade of Nations at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, representing a contingent that has made significant strides in this edition of the Games.
A Historic Medal Haul in Japan
Dhanda’s selection comes on the heels of one of the most successful individual campaigns by an Indian woman at the Asian Games. Her precision and composure on the shooting range earned her a staggering three medals, including two golds and one silver.
Her achievements include:
- Individual Gold: She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual Asian Games gold medal in trap shooting, topping the event with a score of 26.
- Mixed Team Gold: Partnering with Kynan Chenai, she secured gold in the mixed team trap event. This duo set a new Asian Games record with a score of 34, shattering the previous record of 30 held by Qatar.
- Team Silver: She also earned a silver medal in the women's team trap event, competing alongside teammates Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer.
Setting New Records
Dhanda did not just win; she redefined the standards of the sport. During the qualification rounds for her individual event, she set an Asian Games record by missing only two shots out of 30, finishing with an impressive score of 28. Her ability to perform under pressure was a defining characteristic of her campaign in Nagoya.
India's Overall Performance
As the Games draw to a close, India has demonstrated remarkable strength across various disciplines. The country concluded its campaign with a total of 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. This tally secured India the fourth position in the overall standings.
The final medal standings for the top contenders were:
- China: 341 medals (169 gold)
- Japan: 269 medals (83 gold)
- South Korea: 150 medals (39 gold)
- India: 85 medals (21 gold)
The closing ceremony, scheduled to begin at 6 pm local time (2:30 pm IST) on Sunday at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, will also witness the ceremonial handover of the Asian Games flag to Doha, which is set to host the 2030 edition of the Games.