The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games officially came to a close on October 4, 2026, after more than two weeks of athletic competition. The event ended with a closing ceremony held at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. The President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, declared the Games closed, marking a significant transition as the baton was passed to Doha, Qatar, which is set to host the next Asian Games in 2030.

Attendees of the ceremony included thousands of athletes, officials, and spectators. The theme for the concluding event was “One Asia,” promoting unity among the participating nations. Neeru Dhandha, a talented shooter from India who secured two gold medals and one silver, had the honour of being the flagbearer for her country during the ceremony.

India’s overall performance saw it finish fourth in the medal standings with a total of 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. This marked a decline compared to the previous Asian Games held in Hangzhou, where India won 106 medals, including 28 gold.

India’s Medal Performance Reviewed

China led the overall medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, amassing a remarkable 341 medals, including 169 gold. Japan secured second place with 269 medals and 83 gold, while South Korea completed the top three with 150 medals and 39 gold. India’s fourth-place finish solidifies its position as one of Asia’s prominent sporting nations, although the gap to the top continues to challenge its aspirations.

India demonstrated a late surge in the final two days of competition, winning 11 gold medals, which played a crucial role in maintaining its ranking. However, traditional powerhouses in shooting and athletics, which had been expected to deliver strong results, fell short of previous performances, raising questions about preparation and consistency.

The culmination of the Games was marred by organisational challenges. The event hosted approximately 17,000 athletes and officials across 469 events, but several issues related to accommodation and transportation were reported by participants. The OCA had aimed to provide a simple and functional event but faced criticism for logistical shortcomings.

Organisational Issues and Attendance Concerns

Many athletes voiced frustrations regarding transport delays and accommodation mishaps, with some reportedly waiting for up to 12 hours for registration upon their arrival. Complaints included double-booked rooms and improper housing arrangements. Some teams received apologies from the organising committee in response to these difficulties, including South Korea, whose team chef de mission expressed dissatisfaction with the organising standards.

The Games also witnessed notably low attendance figures, with many events drawing small crowds. For instance, Japan’s women’s football semi-final match against South Korea had fewer than 1,000 spectators in a stadium that could hold 50,000. The locations of many venues further complicated access, contributing to the struggle for spectator engagement.

Despite these hurdles, the OCA declared the Aichi-Nagoya Games a success, applauding the organisers for their economical approach and the expansion of the sports programme. The event included new disciplines such as padel, mixed martial arts, teqball, and surfing, featuring a record 43 sports, surpassing the Paris Olympics in scale.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games began on September 19 and ended on October 4, reflecting both achievements and areas requiring improvement for Indian athletics. As they look ahead, the country aspires to break into the top ten at the 2036 Olympics and aims to finish within the top five by 2047. The next Asian Games will be hosted in Doha, with the OCA considering changes to the scheduling for the benefit of Olympic qualifications.

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