Nagoya hands official baton to Doha for 2030 games
Concluding two weeks of intense sporting action, Nagoya passed the official flag to Doha for the 2030 edition during Sunday's closing ceremony. Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium hosted the farewell event, officially bringing the 2026 regional games to a close. Olympic Council of Asia representatives officially handed hosting responsibilities over to Qatar, embracing the core theme of "One Asia" throughout the evening. Historically, this continental tournament has served to unite diverse sporting cultures while encouraging regional cooperation and athletic development across borders.
Record breaking performances celebrated
Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani officially declared the event closed. Addressing the crowd, he noted that athletes broke more than 50 world records during these competitions, establishing a new high mark for the continental event. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan attended the proceedings to personally bid farewell to the participating nations. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was also present in the stadium to accept the future hosting duties on behalf of Doha. The ceremonial torch was slowly extinguished while brilliant laser lights illuminated parkour performers dancing across the open field.
India finishes strong in fourth place
Star trap shooter Neeru Dhanda proudly carried the Indian tricolour during the Parade of Nations. Dhanda earned two gold medals and one silver medal during her highly successful campaign in Japan. India concluded the sporting event in fourth place on the final overall medal table. The national contingent secured exactly 85 total medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. They tied Uzbekistan with 21 gold medals but rightfully claimed the fourth position by securing more silver finishes than their rivals.
Key sports drive national success
Athletics delivered the highest return for the Indian team with 24 total podium finishes. Shooting followed closely behind with 15 medals, while archery competitors secured nine. National teams also captured double gold finishes in both field hockey and cricket, delighting fans following the broadcasts back home. Athletes from across the continent joined together on the central stage for a final celebratory lap around the stadium. Representatives cheerfully waved their respective national flags side by side. They leave behind a strong sporting legacy in Japan before setting their unified sights on the next scheduled gathering in Qatar.
