Steeplechaser Sable conquers fear of hurdles in time for Asian Games title defence
BENGALURU: India’s Asian Games steeplechase champion Avinash Sable had no idea if he would ever compete again after a nasty fall resulted in 14 months on the sidelines and crippling self-doubt.
Bengaluru saw Indian steeplechase champion Avinash Sable, 32, conquer his fear of hurdles to defend his Asian Games title. The athlete, who had been sidelined for 14 months after a knee injury, was once plagued by self-doubt and psychological issues. Sable, who won 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m gold and silver in Hangzhou, told reporters his fear of hurdles felt like he would never return to competition.
However, with support from fellow athletes and SAI centre staff, he overcame his fears and returned to training. Sable recently ran a 5,000m race before clocking an 8:32.39 in a steeplechase in New Delhi, but he still had a way to go to match the Asian Games record of 8:19.50. Despite not achieving his goal, Sable remains determined to defend his Asian Games title and improve upon his previous performance.
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