Avinash Mukund Sable is a leading Indian track and field athlete specializing in the 3000 metres steeplechase, as well as competing in the 5000 metres and half marathon events. Born on September 13, 1994, in Mandwa, Beed district, Maharashtra, Sable grew up in a farming family. He would run or walk 6 km daily to school due to lack of transport. After completing 12th grade, he worked in brick kilns and construction before joining the Indian Army’s 5 Mahar regiment.
Military Career:
Sable is a Subedar in the Indian Army. His postings included the Siachen Glacier, the deserts of Rajasthan, and Sikkim. His running journey began with inter-army cross country races in 2015.
Transition to Athletics:
Initially overweight, Sable lost 20 kg in three months before joining the national camp. He switched to steeplechase under coach Amrish Kumar after a brief stint with Russian coach Nikolai Snesarev, whose methods did not suit him.
Rise in Steeplechase:
Sable broke the 37-year-old national record in the 3000m steeplechase in 2018, clocking 8:29.80 at the National Open Championships in Bhubaneswar. He has since broken the national record multiple times—most recently setting it at 8:09.91 at the 2024 Paris Diamond League.
International Success
- Silver medal at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games: Sable became the first non-Kenyan since 1994 to win a steeplechase medal at the Commonwealth Games, clocking 8:11.20.
- Gold at Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games: He won India’s first-ever steeplechase gold at the Asian Games, setting a Games record of 8:19.50.
- World Athletics Championships: Sable became the first Indian male steeplechaser to qualify for the World Championships final since 1991.
- Olympics: He was the first Indian to qualify for the Olympics in the 3000m steeplechase in 68 years and made the final at Paris 2024, finishing 11th.
Other Achievements:
- National record in half marathon: 1:00:30
- 5000M personal best: 13:19.30
- Arjuna Award: Received in 2022
Summary
Avinash Sable is India’s premier steeplechase athlete, known for breaking national records repeatedly and achieving historic international medals. He is a Subedar in the Indian Army and has set new standards for Indian athletics in long-distance and steeplechase events.
