Asian Games close in Nagoya, India fourth with 85 medals; Doha to host in 2030

The Asian Games 2026 ended on Sunday with a grand closing ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya. The ceremony concluded with Japan's national anthem. The Games flag was handed over to Doha, Qatar, which will host the Asian Games in 2030.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) handed the flag to Qatar. The 21st edition of the Games will be held in Doha.

A parade of athletes was also held, with each country represented by its flag-bearer. For India, the honour went to Neeru Dhanda, who won three medals in shooting, including two golds. Dhanda was seen proudly waving the Indian tricolour in the parade.

India's performance was outstanding this time. The country won 85 medals in all: 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. India finished fourth in the medal table.

China topped the table with 341 medals: 169 gold, 89 silver and 83 bronze. Host Japan was second with 269 medals, including 83 gold, 95 silver and 91 bronze. South Korea won 150 medals, of which 39 were gold, 43 silver and 68 bronze. Uzbekistan was fifth with 70 medals.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju also congratulated the Indian contingent. He wrote that the Asian Games 2026 had ended and Team India had bid farewell in style with 85 medals. According to him, it was a journey marked by spirit, new milestones and moments that made every Indian proud. He congratulated all the athletes.

Sport by sport, India won five medals in archery. Boxing brought three golds and wrestling two. Hockey and kabaddi showed the old vigour, with both the men's and women's teams winning gold in each. The Indian women's and men's cricket teams also played well and added to the gold tally.

Athletics too produced thrilling contests. India's runners and field athletes dominated, delivering high-quality performances despite challenging conditions.

India made history in golf. Pranavi Urs won India's first individual gold medal in women's golf at the Asian Games. Shooting was among India's strongest medal-winning sports. Medals also came in weightlifting, badminton, squash, rowing, table tennis, sailing, wushu, kurash, MMA, soft tennis and other sports.