# AFI targets 30-32 medals at Asian Games, says Anju 2026-09-18T03:32:53+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) expects the country to win between 30 and 32 medals in athletics at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, said senior vice-president Anju Bobby George. This would improve on the 29 medals won at the Hangzhou Games in 2023. Anju told The Hindu that long-jumpers Ancy Sojan and Shaili Singh could take the top two positions in their event. Ancy erased Anju's long-standing national record in June. Neeraj Chopra's absence due to injury is a disappointment, Anju acknowledged in Mathrubhumi. The contingent is in strong form, and the coaching staff planned for athletes to peak twice within two months, Deccan Herald reported. The weather in Japan, with rain and strong winds, is a challenge. The Asian Games begin on 19 September 2026. ## Indian Opinion Analysis All three sources report the AFI's medal target with neutral framing, attributing the 30-32 estimate to Anju Bobby George. The Hindu adds context on Ancy Sojan breaking Anju's national record, while Mathrubhumi gives space to PT Usha's personal recollection of past Games, shifting focus from the immediate target. The coverage is uniformly straight reporting with no editorial slant. The key unknown remains whether the contingent can adapt to Japan's weather and deliver the projected tally in Neeraj Chopra's absence. The Asian Games athletics programme runs through late September in Nagoya. ## Coverage - deccanherald.com (neutral report) Straight reporting of AFI target and coach planning - thehindu.com (neutral report) Attributed quote on medal range and long-jump prospects - english.mathrubhumi.com (neutral report) First-person columns from PT Usha and Anju, no editorial slant Tags: Aichi-Nagoya, Ancy Sojan, Anju Bobby George, Asian Games 2026, Athletics Federation of India, Shaili Singh Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/afi-targets-over-30-medals-at-asian-games-anju-says/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/afi-targets-over-30-medals-at-asian-games-anju-says/#story-in-brief