Nagoya: Star Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda will head the nation's delegation as the flag-bearer during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Sunday, crowning an exceptional tournament in which she secured two gold medals and a silver.

The 27-year-old was selected for the role by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). She is set to carry the national flag during the Parade of Nations at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, according to ESPN. Dhanda has authored one of the most prolific individual campaigns by an Indian athlete at the continental event, notably making history as the first Indian woman to capture an individual Asian Games gold medal in trap shooting after claiming the women's individual title with a score of 26.

Earlier in the competition, she established a new Asian Games qualification record by hitting 28 targets out of 30, missing merely twice. Dhanda subsequently combined with Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer to capture a silver medal in the women's team trap event. She then teamed up with Kynan Chenai to clinch gold in the mixed team trap category, sealing her third medal of the Games. The pair also set a new Asian Games standard with a score of 34, eclipsing the previous record of 30 held by Qatar while securing India's maiden gold in the mixed team trap discipline.

Although Dhanda had initially returned to India following the conclusion of her shooting events, she travelled back to Japan specifically to partake in the closing proceedings.

The closing gala is scheduled to get underway at 6 pm local time (2:30 pm IST) on Sunday at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, alternatively referred to as the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.

India wrapped up its participation at the 2026 Games with a total of 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze, securing fourth position in the final standings.

China dominated the medal table with 341 medals, including 169 golds, followed by hosts Japan in second place with 269 medals, featuring 83 golds. South Korea rounded out the top three with 150 medals, of which 39 were gold.

The closing ceremony will also incorporate the official handover of the Asian Games flag to Doha, which is designated to host the 2030 edition of the multi-sport event.

ANI