The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced qualification standards for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, aiming to improve the medal tally. While the sports ministry's criteria involve matching sixth-place finishes from the previous games, the AFI has set stricter norms for certain events like the 200m, 400m, and hurdles, emphasizing medal potential over mere qualification. The AFI selection panel will make the final decisions on the contingent's strength, with at least two eligible athletes targeted per event.