– by Pratyusha Mukherjee, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Naib Subedar Neeru Dhanda has been chosen as India’s women’s flag-bearer for the closing ceremony of the Asian Games 2026, adding a prestigious honour to her campaign at the continental sporting extravaganza.
A member of the Indian Army, Dhanda has built her sporting career alongside her service in the armed forces. Her selection as flag-bearer brings together two important aspects of her journey — representing India in sport and serving the country in uniform.
Dhanda’s association with the Indian Army has been an integral part of her sporting journey. As a Naib Subedar, she has balanced the demands of military service with the rigorous training and competition schedule required at the international level. Her presence in the Indian contingent also reflects the long-standing contribution of the armed forces to Indian sport, with personnel from the Army and other services regularly representing the country at major multi-sport events.
Her appointment as the women’s flag-bearer places her at the centre of India’s participation in the closing celebrations. She will have the distinction of carrying the Indian tricolour during the ceremony, a role traditionally given to athletes who have made a significant contribution to their country’s campaign.
For Dhanda, the honour adds another notable chapter to a career shaped by both sporting ambition and military discipline. The responsibilities associated with serving in the Army require commitment and discipline, qualities that also form an important part of an elite athlete’s preparation for competition.
The closing ceremony will bring the curtain down on the 2026 Asian Games after days of competition involving athletes from across the continent. Dhanda’s role will see her lead India’s representation during the concluding celebrations as athletes and officials come together to mark the end of the Games.
The appointment also highlights the growing presence of women from the armed forces in Indian sport. Dhanda’s journey from military service to the international sporting arena reflects the pathway available to service personnel pursuing competitive sport while continuing their professional responsibilities.
India’s athletes have competed across a wide range of disciplines at the Asian Games, with the country’s contingent comprising competitors from different sporting backgrounds. Dhanda’s selection adds a ceremonial milestone to India’s campaign and gives her an opportunity to represent the country once again, this time while carrying the national flag.
For an athlete who has combined the demands of Army service with elite competition, being entrusted with the tricolour at the closing ceremony carries particular significance. Dhanda will lead the Indian contingent into the final celebrations, bringing the country’s participation at the 2026 Asian Games to a close.
