Neeru Dhanda, double gold-medalist shooter and champion who is part of the Indian contingent will carry the country's flag in the Asian Games closing ceremony 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
She is the same Indian female who has made history by becoming the first ever to win gold in trap shooting for India in any continental games. The official Indian Olympic delegation states that Dhanda will fly back to Japan to carry the tricolour at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. She is chosen for bringing a memorable tournament to its official end.
When is Asian Games 2026 Closing Ceremony? Date, Time, and Venue Details
Official closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games will be held at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium (Paloma Mizuho Stadium) in Nagoya, Japan. Representatives from various countries in Asia will assemble for the concluding procession, culture performances, and the burning of the flame of the Asian Games.
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Event Details
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Official Information about Asian Games Closing Ceremony 2026
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Date
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Sunday, 4 October 2026
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Venue
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Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Nagoya, Japan
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Local Time (JST)
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6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
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India Time (IST)
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2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
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Live Broadcast
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Sony Sports Network, DD Sports
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Live Streaming
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Sony LIV app and website
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Why Neeru Dhanda Named India’s Flag-Bearer for Asian Games Closing Ceremony 2026
The reason why Neeru Dhanda was selected as India's flag-bearer is because she performed exceptionally well in shooting at Aichi-Nagoya. Her record-breaking gold medal in the individual women's trap event marked the beginning of an amazing performance from the shooters, which was followed by a silver medal in the team event along with Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer. She then won her second gold medal in the mixed team trap event along with Kynan Chenai.
Neeru Dhanda was already back in her hometown of Jind, Haryana when she was told about her selection through Deputy Chef de Mission Anjali Bhagwat. She succeeds several other ceremonial leaders who have been chosen in the past, such as Manu Bhaker, the double Olympian, and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat.
Which Country will get Handover for the Next Asian Games Host?
Following the athlete procession and local cultural performances, organizers will conduct the official flag-handover protocol. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) flag will be lowered, signaling the transition to the future host city.
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Extinguishing the Flame: The main cauldron at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium will be extinguished to mark the formal conclusion of the Games.
Handover Ceremony: Japan's organizing committee will hand over the OCA flag to representatives from Qatar for the next Asian Games which will be taking place in 2030.
The Next Asian Games: The 21st edition of the Asian Games will take place in Doha, Qatar, in 2030, returning to the Middle East for the first time since 2006.
This traditional handover emphasizes athletic unity across Asian nations, celebrating the performances in Japan while looking forward to the 2030 continental gathering in Doha.