Neeru Dhanda appointed India’s female flagbearer for Asian Games 2026 closing ceremony

Neeru Dhanda, a 27-year-old trap shooter, has been named India’s female flagbearer for the Asian Games 2026 closing ceremony at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya on October 4. She finished the Aichi-Nagoya Games with three shooting medals: two golds and one silver.

The appointment was confirmed on Friday by India’s deputy chef de mission Anjali Bhagwat. “She is returning to Nagoya tomorrow morning to be the woman flag bearer,” Bhagwat said. “The decision on the male flag bearer will be taken tomorrow.” Dhanda was at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium to watch the women’s hockey final between India and China and is scheduled to return to the host city for the closing ceremony. She arrived at the Aichi-Nagoya Games among the leading medal contenders after winning a gold in the women’s trap at an ISSF World Cup earlier this year.

Dhanda opened her campaign at the 20th Asian Games by winning gold in the women’s individual trap event, becoming the first Indian woman to claim that title at the Asian Games.

She then combined with Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat to secure silver in the women’s team trap competition.

Dhanda added a second gold to her tally by winning the trap mixed team event alongside Kynan Chenai.

Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), commented on her selection: "It is a tremendous honour for Neeru to carry the Tricolour at the closing ceremony of the Asian Games. "She has represented India with exceptional pride throughout these Games, and this is a fitting recognition of her historic performance. "From winning India’s first individual women’s trap gold to contributing to two more medals, Neeru has given the country many moments to celebrate. To now see her lead the Indian contingent with the national flag is a very special moment for Indian shooting."

Pawankumar Singh, Secretary General, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), added: "Carrying the national flag at an Asian Games closing ceremony is one of the highest honours an athlete can receive. Neeru has earned this moment through her performances, her composure and the way she has represented India in Japan. "Her journey at these Games has been extraordinary, and we are delighted that she will have the opportunity to carry the Tricolour and lead the Indian contingent into the closing ceremony."

Dhanda’s selection adds another landmark to a campaign that included India’s first individual women’s trap gold and saw her collect three medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

The closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, where Dhanda will carry the Indian flag.