The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 came to a spectacular close in Japan, with China once again finishing at the top of the medal table while India secured fourth place after a strong late surge.
China dominated the continental sporting event, winning 341 medals, including 169 gold, 89 silver and 83 bronze. It marked China’s 12th consecutive Asian Games at the top of the medal standings and its best medal haul at an Asian Games held outside the country.
Hosts Japan finished second with 269 medals, including 83 gold, while South Korea claimed third place with 150 medals, including 39 gold.
India ended its campaign in fourth position with 85 medals — 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. Although the total was below India’s record-breaking 106-medal haul at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, the Indian contingent produced several memorable performances and historic achievements.
India enjoyed a particularly strong finish, collecting 11 gold medals during the final two days of competition. The country secured gold in both men’s and women’s cricket, kabaddi and hockey. The women’s hockey team’s gold was especially significant as it ended a 44-year wait for an Asian Games title, while both Indian hockey teams secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Archery also emerged as one of India’s most successful disciplines, contributing nine medals, including five golds. Boxing produced three gold medals, while wrestling delivered six medals, including two golds. Several athletes also created history with landmark individual performances.
The Games featured athletes from 45 Asian countries and witnessed more than 350 records, including at least 50 world records. However, the event was also affected by logistical problems involving accommodation and transportation, drawing criticism during the competition.
As the Aichi-Nagoya Games concluded, the Asian sporting spotlight turned toward Doha, Qatar, which is scheduled to host the next Asian Games in 2030.
For India, the fourth-place finish keeps the country firmly among Asia’s leading sporting nations, while the reduced medal tally provides a clear challenge ahead as the country looks to build on its recent progress.