India’s premier steeplechase athlete Avinash Sable is eyeing a strong comeback at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, following a year-long battle with a nagging calf injury. The 30-year-old, who holds the national record in the 3000m steeplechase (8:09.91), is now focused on bettering his personal best and breaching the elusive eight-minute barrier.
🏃♂️ Road to Recovery and Redemption
Sable’s 2024 season was marred by persistent pain in his right calf and hamstring, stemming from the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. After months of rehabilitation, he resumed training in November and has since been preparing at high-altitude camps in Ooty and the SAI Southern Centre in Bengaluru.
“Last year was not good. It didn’t even look like I’d be able to perform well. But this year, I’m competing in the Diamond League, and preparations are going well,” Sable told reporters.
📈 Recent Performances and Upcoming Goals
- 2025 Season Openers:
- Xiamen Diamond League – 8:22.59
- Shaoxing Diamond League – 8:23.85
- Asian Championships (Gumi, South Korea): Gold medal with 8:20.92
- Next Targets:
- Morocco Diamond League
- Another Diamond League meet
- Domestic competition in India
- World Championships in September
Sable, who failed to reach the final in the last World Championships, is determined to improve his global standing this time. “I’ve worked on finishing the race, mileage, and overall endurance. My goal is to get closer to eight minutes,” he said.
🧠 Training Shift and Coaching Strategy
Sable has opted for a customized training plan, moving away from foreign coach Scott Simmons and returning to methods inspired by the late Nikolai Snesarev. He is currently guided by AFI coach Kalyan Chaudhari, blending structured inputs with self-designed routines.
“The training with Scott wasn’t suitable for my body. I’ve gone back to what worked for me earlier,” he explained.
🌍 Bigger Picture: India’s Medal Hopes
As the reigning Asian Games champion and a two-time Olympian, Sable remains one of India’s brightest prospects in middle-distance running. His focus on consistency, recovery, and peak performance could make him a serious contender at the Worlds.
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