Neeru Dhanda named India’s flag bearer for Asian Games closing

Neeru Dhanda has been selected as India’s women’s flag bearer for the Asian Games closing ceremony, after winning two gold medals and a silver in trap shooting at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. Deputy chef de mission Anjali Bhagwat informed Dhanda of the selection, according to reports of Bhagwat’s announcement. The ceremony is scheduled for October 4, and the reports do not establish that it has taken place or that Dhanda has attended. Dhanda’s medals came in three events: gold in the individual trap, silver in the women’s team trap and gold in the mixed-team trap. She won the team silver with Manisha Keer and Aashima Ahlawat, and the mixed-team gold with Kynan Chenai. Her three-medal campaign made her one of India’s standout performers at the Games. Dhanda had returned to her home in Sangatpura village in Jind after completing her competition, and was then asked to travel back to Japan for the closing ceremony. A report on October 3 said she was preparing to fly to Nagoya that morning. Her planned return was reported, but the available accounts do not confirm that she made the trip.