India win gold in 3000m steeplechase in Asian Athletics after 1989, thanks to Sable
Avinash Sable had took silver in the event in the 2019 edition of Asian Athletics Championships.
Avinash Sable had took silver in the event in the 2019 edition of Asian Athletics Championships.
Avinash Sable had took silver in the event in the 2019 edition of Asian Athletics Championships.
Avinash Sable was not born when India last won gold in the men's 3000m steeplechase event at the Asian Athletics Championships.
On Thursday, the 30-year-old put India back on top of the podium at Gumi South Korea with a golden run. Steeplechase is one of the most challenging athletic events, requiring a unique blend of endurance, speed, and obstacle-clearing abilities.
Sable clocked 8:20.92 for his gold, improving his silver finish in the 2019 edition. Dina Ram was the last gold medalist for India in the event in 1989. In 1975, Harbel Singh became the first Indian steeplechaser to take gold in the Asian meet.
National Record holder Sable finished ahead of Japan's Yutaro Niinae (8:24.41), who led the race at the start. Niinae regained his lead with three laps remaining, but Sable came out on top. Qatar's Zakaria Elahlaami took the bronze medal in the event (8:27.12).
Though the performance was worthy of a gold medal and a season's best timing for Sable, it was still only a modest timing by his high standards. Sable broke his national record last July with an impressive 8:09.91 in Paris.