Avinash Sable’s Resilient Return: Targeting World Championship Glory After Injury Battle
India’s premier steeplechaser, Avinash Sable, is on a determined path back to peak form, eyeing the upcoming World Athletics Championships with renewed vigor. After a challenging start to the season marred by injuries, the national record holder is now fully fit, setting his sights on a crucial training stint in Morocco to fine-tune his preparations for the global showdown.
The early months of the year presented an unexpected hurdle for Sable. He revealed that nagging injuries to his right calf and hamstring significantly impacted his performance, leading to timings far from his personal best of 8 minutes, 9.91 seconds. This period of physical discomfort undoubtedly tested his resolve.
Battling Through Pain: A Season of Unseen Struggles
Sable’s 2024 season kicked off with appearances at prestigious events like the Xiamen Diamond League, where he clocked 8:22.59, followed by the Shanghai Diamond League with a time of 8:23.85. Despite these outings, the underlying injuries prevented him from showcasing his true potential.
“I was injured at the start of the season, and that resulted in the poor results in the two Diamond League events in China,” Sable candidly shared with reporters in Bengaluru. He elaborated on the difficult decision to compete despite the pain, choosing to push through rather than withdrawing last-minute from high-profile international competitions. “There was a lot of pain in my right calf and hamstring. But now I have recovered.”
His remarkable resilience shone through at the Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea, where, despite the lingering effects of his injuries, he secured a gold medal with a season-best time of 8:20.92. This victory underscored his mental toughness and ability to deliver under pressure.
A Strategic Shift: New Coaching and Global Training Ambitions
Currently honing his skills at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru, Sable expresses a palpable sense of relief and optimism. “The recovery was good and I feel much better than at the start of the season,” he affirmed, highlighting his improved physical state.
A significant shift in his training approach marks this new phase. After the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sable concluded his training under renowned coach Scott Simmons at Colorado Springs in the USA. He felt the need for a change, believing the previous setup was no longer optimally suited for his body’s demands.
Presently, Sable is without a full-time coach, navigating his training regimen with guidance from Coach Kalyan Chaudhary, appointed by the Athletics Federation of India. “Mostly, I have been making my plans and working on them, with Kalyan sir guiding me whenever needed,” Sable explained, showcasing his proactive role in his development.
Looking ahead, Sable has cast his net wide for a new, impactful training base, specifically in Africa. He has pinpointed Ifrane, a city in Morocco, as his preferred destination. His ambitious plan involves a 45-day training camp in Morocco following the Monaco Diamond League, interspersed with periods of training in Bengaluru, all geared towards the World Championships.
This proposal for a high-altitude training stint in Morocco, known for producing world-class middle and long-distance runners, is yet to receive official sanction, but Sable is poised to submit his detailed plan to the federation.
Chasing Milestones: The Elusive Sub-8 Minute Barrier
Sable’s next major competitive outing is the Diamond League in Monaco. While this is an important step, his ultimate focus remains firmly fixed on September’s World Championships. He might also consider participating in the Brussels Diamond League and some domestic competitions in India, but these are secondary to his primary goal.
Last year, Avinash Sable etched his name in Indian athletics history by becoming the first Indian ever to complete the 3000m steeplechase in under 8 minutes and 10 seconds at the Paris Diamond League, setting a new national record of 8:09.91. However, subsequent injuries prevented him from building on that momentum.
Now, with renewed health, he’s optimizing every aspect of his race. “I have worked on things like finishing the race and tracking my mileage throughout the race,” he revealed. He anticipates clocking a personal best, or a time very close to it, at the Monaco Diamond League, seeing it as a crucial stepping stone for the World Championships.
The steeplechase world often talks about the monumental sub-8 minute mark, much like the 90-meter barrier that once captivated Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra. When asked about this ultimate milestone, Sable acknowledged its significance.
“I want to break the 8-minute barrier but I know it won’t happen that quickly,” he stated pragmatically. “With training and gradual improvement, I might break it sometime later.” This measured ambition reflects a deep understanding of the immense challenge involved.
Beyond Steeplechase: Expanding His Horizons
While the 3000m steeplechase remains his flagship event, Sable is also adept at the 5000m and occasionally the 10000m. He understands the importance of focused training. “Sometimes, if I focus on two events, it hampers my performance in my main event,” he explained.
However, his long-term vision includes a greater emphasis on the 5000m. “My focus will be on Steeplechase till Worlds. After the World Championships, I will focus more on the 5000m also and won’t leave the event,” he concluded, indicating a strategic expansion of his competitive portfolio post-championships.
Avinash Sable’s 2024 Season Highlights (as of latest races)
- 8:20.92 – Asian Athletics Championships (Gold Medal)
- 8:22.59 – Xiamen Diamond League
- 8:23.82 – Shanghai Diamond League
