Fit Again, Sable Targets Sub-8 Steeplechase Mark in 2025
Fit again after a prolonged calf injury that had plagued him since the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, India’s top steeplechaser Avinash Sable is eyeing a personal best in the lead-up to the World Championships in September.
The reigning Asian Games champion has been training at high altitude in Ooty and fine-tuning his form at the Sports Authority of India’s 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 am competing in the Diamond League, so the preparation for the World Championship is going well,” Sable said.
“My target is to notch my personal best, closer to eight minutes. Fifteen days of training are left—I think I’ll be able to get close to eight.”
The 30-year-old opened his 2025 season with 8:22.59 in Xiamen and followed it up with 8:23.85 in Shaoxing. He showed improvement by clocking 8:20.92 to win gold at the Asian Championships in Gumi, South Korea.
“Preparations are going well. I was injured at the start of the season, but despite that, I participated in two Diamond League events in China. The results weren’t good because of the injury. Then I competed in the Asian Championship to boost my confidence.”
“I had a calf injury — there was a lot of pain in my right calf and hamstring. It started after the Asian Games and lasted the entire year. The pain was there till January–February this year.”
Sable had failed to make the final at the last World Championships but is determined to turn things around. “At the World Championships, I want to improve on my performance from last time. This year, I’ve worked on finishing the race, mileage, etc.”
He holds the national record of 8:09.91 and remains focused on breaching the eight-minute mark. “Yes, I want to do it. It won’t happen soon, but I think I’ll be able to improve my personal best.”
Before the Worlds, he will compete in the Morocco Diamond League, another Diamond League meet, and a competition in India. “The focus will be to do well at Worlds.”
“Kalyan Chaudhari (AFI coach) is helping me. I’ve made my own plans, and he gives suggestions. The training with Scott (Simmons) wasn’t suitable for my body, so I decided to do things a little differently.”
“The training with Coach Nikolai (Snesarev) worked well for me, so I’m continuing with that. I haven’t spoken to a long-term coach, and I’ll continue like this for the season.”
“I was considering Africa for training — Morocco is nice,” he added.