Avinash Sable to test steeplechase skills ahead of Asian Games

India’s steeplechase star Avinash Sable will return to competition after nearly 14 months at the Indian Athletics Series final in New Delhi. The Hangzhou gold medallist will test his water-jump skills as he prepares to defend his Asian Games title

Hyderabad: India’s Hangzhou Asian Games gold medallist in the men’s steeplechase, Avinash Sable, will test his skills over the water barriers at the One-Day prize-money Indian Athletics Series at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.

“I am looking forward to evaluating my skills in tomorrow’s race before the Japan Asian Games,” Sable said on Wednesday.

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“Negotiating water jumps in the steeplechase race is an important part of the strategy,” Sable added.

It has been nearly 14 months since the national record holder competed in the gruelling 3,000m steeplechase event, which features seven water barriers and 28 fixed hurdles. The Indian runner suffered an injury during the 2025 Monaco Diamond League and has been undergoing rehabilitation since then.

On his comeback trail, Sable exuded confidence about defending his title at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

“I am mentally and physically strong enough to face any challenge during the Asian Games,” Sable said after a good warm-up session on Wednesday.

Apart from his steeplechase gold, he won silver in the men’s 5,000m at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. He is hopeful of winning two medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Sable has been India’s most accomplished steeplechase runner at the international level. He holds the national record of 8:09.91, set at the 2024 Paris Diamond League.

 Focus on quarter-milers

Focus will also be on India’s 400m runners at Thursday’s Indian Athletics Series final.

At the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games in China, Indian 400m runners contributed three medals to the country’s tally, including gold in the men’s 4x400m relay. The Indian women’s 4x400m relay and mixed 4x400m relay teams won silver medals.

Rajesh Ramesh, a member of the victorious 4x400m relay squad at the Hangzhou Asian Games, said the top male 400m runners have been impressive this season, which would be a big advantage in successfully defending the relay title in Japan.

“At least six runners have clocked below 46 seconds in the 400m. While Vishal TK has clocked 44.98 seconds, a national record,” Ramesh said. “Our goal in Japan will be to improve the national record of 2:59.05.”

The Indian women’s 400m runners also aim to improve their performance in Japan.

“We have a good team,” said seasoned 400m runner MR Poovamma.

The Indian Athletics Series carries a total cash prize of Rs 65 lakh. Winners of each of the 30 events will receive Rs 1 lakh, while silver and bronze medallists will take home Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively.

The top six athletes in each event will be eligible for prize money.