Early Life and Military Career
Avinash Sable was born on September 13, 1994, in Mandwa, a small village in the Beed district of Maharashtra, India. He comes from a farming family, and life was tough in his early years. The challenging conditions in his village, where he had to walk long distances to school, played a role in developing his endurance from a young age.
Sable joined the Indian Army in 2012, where his military training played a crucial role in shaping his athletic career. He served in the 5th Battalion of the Mahar Regiment, and during his time in the army, he was posted in difficult terrains, including Siachen Glacier and the deserts of Rajasthan. His experiences in these extreme conditions further built his stamina and resilience, which later became assets in his athletic career.
Athletic Career
Avinash Sable’s transition to athletics came somewhat accidentally. While serving in the Indian Army, he was encouraged by his superiors to try out long-distance running. He initially participated in cross-country events and quickly showed promise, leading to his introduction to the steeplechase, an event that involves not only running but also jumping over barriers and water pits.
Major Milestones:
- 2018 National Record: Avinash first gained attention when he broke the national record in the 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2018 Open National Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar. His time of 8:29.80 broke the previous record by over eight seconds.
- 2019 World Championships: Sable further improved his national record multiple times in 2019. His performance at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha was particularly notable, where he clocked 8:21.37, breaking his own national record and becoming the first Indian steeplechaser to qualify for the final at the World Championships.
- 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Avinash Sable represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He continued to break his own records, but despite a valiant effort, he did not reach the final round.
- 2022 Commonwealth Games: Sable achieved a historic milestone at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he won the silver medal in the 3000 meters steeplechase with a time of 8:11.20, setting another national record. This was the first time an Indian athlete medaled in this event at the Commonwealth Games.
- 2023: Avinash continued to perform well on the international stage, participating in events such as the World Athletics Championships and various Diamond League meets. He consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian middle-distance running.
Personal Life and Training
Avinash Sable’s success is attributed to his disciplined lifestyle, which is deeply rooted in his military background. His training regimen is rigorous, often involving high-altitude training to build endurance. He has worked with several coaches, both Indian and foreign, to refine his technique and strategy.
Legacy
Avinash Sable is considered a trailblazer in Indian athletics, especially in a discipline that has traditionally been dominated by African athletes. His journey from a small village in Maharashtra to the world stage serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes in India.