Asian Games 2026: India signs off with 85 medals

Why in News?

The Asian Games 2026 concluded on 4 October 2026 at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, after more than two weeks of competition from 19 September to 4 October across 43 disciplines. The ceremonial torch and flag were handed over to representatives of Qatar, which will host the next Asian Games in Doha in 2030.

About India’s Performance

India finished fourth in the overall medal standings with 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. Around 500 Indian athletes participated in the Games. Shooter Neeru Dhanda, who won two gold medals and one silver, carried the Indian flag at the closing ceremony.

India’s 85-medal tally was lower than its record 106-medal haul at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, where it won 28 gold, 38 silver and 40 bronze medals. However, the Aichi-Nagoya Games witnessed several landmark performances and first-time podium finishes.

India secured a clean sweep of gold medals in men’s and women’s cricket, kabaddi and hockey. In cricket, India retained both titles, with the women’s team defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs and the men’s team defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in their respective finals. Both Indian hockey teams also won gold for the first time at the same Asian Games and secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Archery was among India’s most successful disciplines, producing nine medals—five gold, two silver and two bronze.

Overall Medal Standings

China topped the medal table with 341 medals, including 169 gold, followed by Japan with 269 medals, including 83 gold, and South Korea with 150 medals, including 39 gold.

CLICK HERE: UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED WEEKLY TEST (ENG & HINDI)

CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC GS MAINS TEST SERIES 

CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)