Neeru Dhanda to carry India’s flag at Asian Games 2026 closing ceremony in Nagoya
History-maker Neeru Dhanda will carry India’s flag at the Asian Games 2026 closing ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya on Sunday, October 4.
After two weeks of competition and 15 days of action at the Asian Games, athletes from all participating nations will assemble for the closing ceremony, which follows the usual format of competitors entering the stadium together with each nation’s flag carried by a chosen athlete. The programme is scheduled to begin at 6 pm local time (2:30 PM IST) at Paloma Mizuho Stadium (Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium).
Dhanda became the first Indian woman to win an individual trap gold at the Asian Games and added a silver in the women’s trap team event alongside Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat. She also finished her campaign with a gold in the mixed team trap event alongside Kynan Chenai, earning her double gold medallist status at these Games.
The Indian Olympic Association is expected to announce a male flagbearer to partner Dhanda for the parade of nations. Each nation’s flag will be carried by a chosen athlete as competitors march together during the ceremony.
The ceremony’s principal moment will be the handover of the Asian Games flag to the next host, with Doha set to receive the flag and host the 2030 edition. Qatar is expected to present a short segment showcasing what to expect in 2030, while Japan will mark the end of its Games with a cultural performance and music.
Speeches will be delivered by members of the organising committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, who will thank volunteers, athletes and the host region before formally declaring the Games closed. The Games flame will then be put out, bringing the 16-day event to an end.
The closing ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium will conclude with the flag handover to Doha, and the Indian Olympic Association’s announcement of a male flagbearer to join Neeru Dhanda remains an expected item before the proceedings end.
