Coach Dr Aaron Horseg guides Chanu's injury‑free training routine

Mirabai Chanu’s preparation for the upcoming Asian Games is being steered by a cross‑continental coaching team that blends Indian expertise with American sports science. While veteran coach Vijay Sharma handles technique and competition strategy, Dr. Aaron Horseg, a former weightlifter turned strength and conditioning specialist, is responsible for keeping the athlete free from injury.

Their partnership began in November 2020 and has evolved into a weekly virtual meeting. Every Thursday, Chanu, Sharma and Horseg connect via video call to dissect the previous week’s training logs, lift videos, and recovery scores. Horseg, familiar with the biomechanics of each muscle group, offers precise adjustments to volume, intensity and accessory work.

“The minute we see any deviation in joint stability or muscle fatigue, we intervene,” Horseg explains. This proactive stance paid off during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the Indian team had to rent an external gym after the official venue was removed. The improvised setup did not hinder Chanu’s performance; she secured gold with a 190 kg total and set three Games records.

Chanu’s personal record of 205 kg, achieved at the 2021 Asian Championships and repeated in the February 2026 National Championships, is a testament to the effectiveness of the injury‑prevention strategy. The athlete credits the collaborative approach for feeling “strong, healthy and ready” as the Nagoya Asian Games approach.

Looking ahead, Horseg stresses the importance of a seamless transition to the 53 kg weight class for the upcoming Los Angeles competition, noting that a controlled increase in body mass will be required. “The plan is simple: stay injury‑free, hit the target weight, and aim for the podium in Nagoya,” he says.