Sable steps up Asian Games prep with 1st steeplechase gold in over a year

Avinash Sable stepped up his preparations for the Asian Games with 3000m steeplechase gold at the Indian Athletics Final series. Tanya Chaudhary set a new national record and Animesh Kujur emerged as the quickest athlete of the meet ahead of Gurindervir Singh.Sable won his first steeplechase gold in over a year. (AFP Photo)Avinash Sable marked his return to the 3000m steeplechase with a gold medal at the Indian Athletics Final Series 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday, as he steps up preparations to defend his Asian Games title.The 31-year-old clocked 8:32.32 seconds at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in his first appearance in his preferred event following a long injury layoff. Sable remains the national record holder with a personal best of 8:09.91.ASIAN GAMES 2026: FULL COVERAGEHis lengthy absence began after an injury at last year’s Monaco Diamond League, where he stumbled at the water jump and damaged his ACL and meniscus. The setback required surgery and kept him out of action for more than a year. Sable returned to competition in August, competing in the 5000m at the IFAM Oordegem meet in Belgium. While his participation in the 3000m steeplechase at the upcoming Asian Games has been confirmed, the Athletics Federation of India has also requested organisers to include him in the 5000m event.Sable is hoping that he can take part in both events during the Asian Games. "I have been training for both 3000m steeplechase and 5000m. I am hoping to run in both in the Asian Games," Sable said.TANYA SETS NATIONAL RECORD, ANIMESH BEATS GURINDERVIRTanya Chaudhary stole the show at the Indian Athletics Series Final on Thursday, breaking the national record in the women’s hammer throw, while Avinash Sable made a winning return to the 3000m steeplechase after more than a year away from the event.The 22-year-old Uttar Pradesh athlete produced a throw of 68.35m to surpass the previous national mark of 67.02m, held by fellow Uttar Pradesh thrower Anushka Yadav since June. Anushka finished second with a best effort of 66.34m.Both Tanya and Anushka have been selected in India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games.Odisha sprinter Animesh Kujur emerged as the quickest athlete of the meet, taking gold in the men’s 100m with a time of 10.21 seconds. Punjab’s national record holder Gurindervir Singh finished second after clocking 10.32 seconds.Rohit Yadav claimed the men’s javelin title with a best throw of 81.10m, while Rajasthan’s Yashvir Singh, a Glasgow Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, finished third with an effort of 80.40m. Defending Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor also came out on top in the men’s shot put, recording 20.64m.The Indian Athletics Series Final served as a key preparatory event for athletes heading to the Asian Games. Nearly all members of India’s 77-strong track and field contingent competed, with long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, high jumper Sarvesh Kushare and triple jumper Praveen Chithravel among the notable absentees.- EndsPublished On: Sep 10, 2026 22:38 IST