Avinash Sable India Steeplechase Golden moment
In a remarkably short span since embracing running as a sport in 2015, Avinash Sable has consistently shattered national records. Notably, he clinched the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Emerging onto the athletics scene just a few years ago, Avinash Sable swiftly ascended to become Indiaโs foremost long-distance runner of his era.
Sableโs meteoric rise is particularly remarkable considering he only embraced running as a sport in 2015.
Born on September 13, 1994, in the village of Mandwa within Maharashtraโs Beed district, Avinash Mukund Sable was raised in a modest family.
His parents, both farmers, faced numerous challenges, and young Avinash even had to cover a six-kilometer distance daily to reach school due to the absence of public transportation.
During his formative years, Avinash Sable never harbored dreams of sporting glory; instead, he resolved early on to enlist in the army to support his family.
The Influence of the Indian Army on Avinash Sableโs Athletic Journey
After completing his 12th grade, Avinash Sable enlisted in the Indian army and was stationed with the 5 Mahar regiment. His postings included deployments in Siachen, Rajasthan, and Sikkim.
In the initial two years of his service, Sable faced extreme climates. Siachen subjected him to regular sub-zero temperatures, while Rajasthanโs deserts soared to scorching 50-degree heat.
It wasnโt until 2015 that Sable was introduced to competitive running through the armyโs athletics program. Initially selected for cross country competitions, his natural talent quickly emerged.
Within a year of training, Sable became part of the Services team that secured victory in the team competition and clinched fifth place in the individual National Cross Country Championship.
However, an injury setback and a period of inadequate training caused Sable to gain significant weight. Despite skepticism from some within the army, this only fueled his determination.
At the age of 24, Sable shed more than 15 kilograms and resumed his running regimen. During a race in 2017, army coach Amrish Kumar observed his exceptional intensity and extended an invitation to explore the steeplechase category.
Unquestionably, this decision proved transformative for both Avinash Sable and Indian athletics as a whole.
Avinash Sableโs Resilient Climb
Avinash Sableโs brilliance shone through immediately, securing a fifth-place finish at the 2017 Federation Cup. Later that year, at the Open Nationals in Chennai, he came within nine seconds of breaking the steeplechase national record.
Yet, as he neared the record, skeptics emerged once again.
โThe steeplechase is a highly tactical race. So, most of the time, I was told it was impossible to break this record in India due to the absence of someone who could set that kind of pace. Hence, I had to set the pace for myself,โ Sable shared with broadcaster.
Although he had already silenced his critics before, this time presented a more formidable challenge. In early 2018, Avinash Sable suffered a broken ankle during training. In his eagerness to return to running, he fell short of qualifying for that yearโs Asian Games.
However, he rebounded swiftly and achieved his objective. At the 2018 Open Nationals in Bhubaneswar, Avinash Sable clocked 8:29.88 in the 3000m steeplechase, surpassing the 30-year-old national record by a mere 0.12 seconds. The previous mark was established by Gopal Saini in 1981 at the Asian Championships in Tokyo.
Avinash Sable achievements and personal bests
- National record โ 3000m steeplechase โ 8:11.20
- National record โ 5000m โ 13:19.30s
- National record โ Half marathon โ 1:00:30s
- Silver medal โ Doha 2019 Asian athletics championships โ 3000m steeplechase
- Silver medal โ Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Arjuna Award โ Indiaโs second-highest award for sportspersons โ in 2022
- Broke the 3000m steeplechase national record seven consecutive times
- First Indian to qualify for Olympics in 3000m steeplechase in 68 years
Avinash Sableโs 3000m steeplechase national record progression
Date | Event | Time |
---|---|---|
Septemeber 28, 2018 | Federation Cup | 8:29.80 |
March 18, 2019 | Federation Cup | 8:28.94 |
October 1, 2019 | World championships | 8:25.23 |
October 4, 2019 | World championships | 8:21.37 |
March 17, 2021 | Federation Cup | 8:20.20 |
July 30, 2021 | Tokyo Olympics | 8:18.12 |
March 23, 2022 | Indian Grand Prix | 8:16.21 |
June 5, 2022 | Rabat Diamond League | 8:12.48 |
August 6, 2022 | Birmingham Commonwealth Games | 8:11.20 |