Avinash Sable aims to defend Asian Games gold after injury recovery

Indian steeplechase athlete Avinash Sable has expressed confidence in his ability to defend his 3000m steeplechase gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. His recovery follows a significant injury sustained during the 2025 Monaco Diamond League, which required surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus.

Sable's rehabilitation involved nearly eight months of intense training at various locations, including a high-altitude facility in Ooty, the Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Smart Track in Bengaluru. The injury forced him to miss the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Sable stated that he feels he has regained the fitness level he possessed during his 2022 Asian Games performance. He is preparing for the Indian Athletics Series Final, marking his return to steeplechase competition after a year-long hiatus.