How Mirabai Chanu Stays Injury-Free for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is determined to win her first Asian Games medal. To achieve this, she is working hard and focusing on staying injury-free ahead of the event in Japan from September 19 to October 4.

Mirabai’s success has been supported by her coach Vijay Sharma and American strength coach Dr. Aaron Horschig. They meet every Thursday for video calls to discuss training, recovery, and future plans. Dr. Horschig’s experience as a weightlifter helps him understand how to keep Mirabai in peak condition.

After winning gold at the Commonwealth Games, Mirabai immediately returned to training without going home. She has set a goal: “No going home until I win an Asian Games medal.”

Injuries have been a challenge for Mirabai in past Asian Games. In 2023, she finished fourth after a hip injury, and in 2018, a back injury kept her from competing. This time, she is taking extra care to avoid injuries.

Mirabai’s training focus has shifted as she prepares for the Asian Games. At the Commonwealth Games, she won gold with a total lift of 190kg. However, she sees the upcoming Asian Games as tougher competition, especially against lifters from China, North Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

Her personal best is 205kg, set in 2021. She aims to test her limits in Japan and believes the Asian Games will showcase the strongest competitors in her weight category.

Mirabai’s next target is the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, but for now, her focus remains on winning at the Asian Games. She will lead India’s five-member weightlifting team, with competition held from September 22-28 in Nagoya.