NEW DELHI: Avinash Sable made an emphatic return to the 3000m steeplechase after more than a year away from the event, winning the race at the Indian Athletics Series Final on Thursday and providing a timely boost ahead of the Asian Games.Representing Maharashtra, the 31-year-old clocked 8 minutes 32.39 seconds to win the men’s 3000m steeplechase in his first race over the distance in more than a year.Sable’s comeback comes after he underwent ACL surgery last year. He has had limited competition this season, running only one race before Thursday — a 5000m event in Belgium in August.The return to his speciality event was particularly significant with the Asian Games approaching. Sable had enjoyed a memorable outing at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, winning gold in the 3000m steeplechase and silver in the 5000m.
Sable eyes double at Asian Games
While his participation in the 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Games is confirmed, the Athletics Federation of India has also requested the organisers to accept his entry in the 5000m.Sable has been preparing for both events and remains hopeful of competing in both in Aichi-Nagoya.“I have been training for both 3000m steeplechase and 5000m. I am hoping to run in both in the Asian Games,” Sable said.His win came at a meet designed as a tune-up for India’s Asian Games-bound athletes. Almost all members of the 77-strong athletics squad took part, with a few notable exceptions including long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, high jumper Sarvesh Kushare and triple jumper Praveen Chithravel.
Bhadra, Kujur shine in sprints
Maharashtra’s Harita Bhadra, one of six late additions to India’s Asian Games squad, won the women’s 100m in 11.22 seconds. She will, however, compete in the 200m and 4x100m relay at the Asian Games rather than the 100m.The national record in the women’s 100m remains Dutee Chand’s 11.17 seconds.“It’s just a fun race and I never expected I will run this fast,” Bhadra said.Odisha’s Animesh Kujur emerged as the fastest man of the meet, winning the men’s 100m in 10.21 seconds. National record holder Gurindervir Singh of Punjab finished second in 10.32.Rohit Yadav won the men’s javelin with an 81.10m effort, while Glasgow Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Yashvir Singh finished third with 80.40m. Defending Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor won the men’s shot put with 20.64m.The meet also featured a total prize fund of Rs 65 lakh, with the winners of each of the 30 events receiving Rs 1 lakh.