Avinash Sable Makes Triumphant Steeplechase Comeback Ahead of 2026 Asian Games

Reigning Asian Games champion Avinash Sable made a successful return to the 3000m steeplechase on Thursday, September 10, 2026, winning the title at the Indian Athletics Final Series held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The 31-year-old distance runner recorded a timing of 8:32.39 to finish ahead of Shubham Bhandare and Vikash Dalal, marking his first competitive steeplechase outing in 14 months. Sable had been sidelined since July 2025 after suffering a serious knee injury involving tears to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus during the Monaco Diamond League. The injury required surgical intervention followed by an arduous rehabilitation process. Sable candidly admitted following Thursday's race that the extended period away from the track severely impacted his confidence, making him feel like a beginner entering competition. The victory provides a vital boost for Sable as he prepares to defend his 3000m steeplechase gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. With less than three weeks remaining before his event at the continental games, demonstrating race fitness under competitive conditions was crucial for the national record holder. His performance reassures coaching staff and athletic authorities that the veteran runner remains on track for medal success on the international stage.