Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 5: The 2026 Asian Games concluded in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, bringing more than two weeks of sporting action across 43 disciplines to an end.

The closing ceremony was held at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, where Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani officially declared the Games closed. The ceremonial handover to Qatar, which will host the next edition in Doha in 2030, marked the transition from Aichi-Nagoya 2026 to Doha 2030.

India finished fourth in the overall medal standings with 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. The tally placed India behind China, Japan and South Korea.

Trap shooter Neeru Dhanda carried the Indian flag at the closing ceremony. Dhanda had an impressive campaign, winning two gold medals and a silver in shooting.

The Games also witnessed several notable performances by Indian athletes, including historic gold-medal achievements in shooting, archery, golf, boxing, hockey, cricket and kabaddi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the entire Indian contingent on the conclusion of the Asian Games. He praised the athletes for representing the country with determination, passion and remarkable sporting spirit.

Modi also congratulated all medal winners, saying their performances had brought immense joy to the nation. He expressed hope that the achievements at the Games would inspire even greater success in the coming years and contribute to strengthening sports at the grassroots level.

With the ceremonial handover to Qatar complete, attention now turns to Doha, which will host the 21st Asian Games in 2030.