Neeru Dhanda named India’s flagbearer for closing ceremony of Asian Games 2026
The closing ceremony will take place on October 4
Trap shooter Neeru Dhanda has been named India’s female flagbearer for the Asian Games 2026 closing ceremony, which will take place at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, on October 4.
The 27-year-old shooter, who won three medals at the tournament, including two golds, was present at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium to witness the women’s hockey final between India and China.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India’s medal winners, live medal tally, results
She will return to the host city to represent India at the closing ceremony. This decision 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.”
Neeru Dhanda’s historic three-medal campaign
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Neeru established herself as one of the leading trap shooters in India with a gold medal in the women’s trap event at the ISSF World Cup earlier this year and entered the Aichi-Nagoya Games as one of the leading medal contenders.
She delivered immediate results at the 20th Asian Games, winning an unprecedented three shooting medals.
Neeru opened her campaign with a gold medal in the women’s individual trap event, becoming the first Indian woman to win gold in the event at Asian Games.
She then joined Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat to win silver in the women’s team trap competition. Neeru won her second gold of the campaign in the trap mixed team event alongside Kynan Chenai.
Commenting on Dhanda being chosen as India’s flag-bearer for the closing ceremony, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), said, “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), said, “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 as flag-bearer adds another landmark to a campaign that has already seen her etch her name in Indian shooting history. Her individual gold ended a long wait for India in individual Asian Games trap shooting, while her subsequent team and mixed-team medals took her Games tally to three.
Who is India’s female flagbearer for the Asian Games 2026 closing ceremony?
Shooter Neeru Dhanda has been named India’s female flagbearer for the closing ceremony in Nagoya on October 4.
Where and when will the Asian Games 2026 closing ceremony take place?
It will take place on Sunday, October 4, at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
How many medals did Neeru Dhanda win at Asian Games 2026?
She won three shooting medals, including two golds and one silver, at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
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