Indian athlete Avinash Sable achieved a remarkable feat on October 1st in Hangzhou, China, as he shattered the Asian Games record in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. Sable clinched the gold medal with a spectacular performance, completing the race in an impressive time of 8:19.50, surpassing the previous record of 8:22.79 set by Hossein Kheyani in 2018.
Avinash Sable’s dominance in the race was evident, with the silver medalist, Ryoma Aoki of Japan, trailing far behind. This victory held special significance for Sable, as it served as redemption for his previous disappointment at the World Championships, where a slip during the race had prevented him from reaching the final
Born on September 13, 1994, in Mandwa, Beed district, Maharashtra, Avinash Sable hails from a modest farming family. His incredible journey to becoming one of India’s leading long-distance runners is a true inspiration. Growing up, Sable had to cover a 6 km distance between his home and school daily, owing to the absence of transportation facilities in his village.
In 2015, Sable’s athletic career took off when he participated in inter-army cross-country running, encouraged by his fellow soldiers. Despite initially being overweight, Sable managed to shed an impressive 20 kg in just three months before entering the national camp. There, he received coaching from Nikolai Snesarev. However, Sable eventually returned to his original coach, Amrish Kumar, as Snesarev’s training regimen did not align with his needs.
Sable’s unwavering dedication paid off when he set a new national record of 8:11.20 in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, securing a silver medal. This remarkable achievement marked the ninth time he had broken the national record. Additionally, he holds the national record for the 5000m race, with an impressive time of 13:19.30s.
Despite encountering various challenges, including an ankle injury that prevented him from qualifying for the 2018 Asian Games, Sable consistently demonstrated his resilience. He made a triumphant return from his injury by breaking a 30-year-old national record at the 2018 Open Nationals in Bhubaneswar.
Sable’s accomplishments extend beyond the steeplechase; he also holds the national record for the half marathon, achieved with a remarkable time of 1:00:30s during the 2020 Delhi Half Marathon. This achievement solidifies his position as the only Indian to complete a half marathon in under 61 minutes.
Avinash Sable’s incredible journey, from a remote village in Maharashtra to representing India on the global athletic stage, serves as a testament to his unwavering determination, hard work, and indomitable spirit. His story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes nationwide, demonstrating that with dedication and perseverance, any obstacle can be overcome to achieve one’s dreams.
