Till a few years ago, India’s medals in the name of long distance runner used to remain empty. But on September 13, 1994, born in Mandwa village of Beed district of Maharashtra, Avinash Sable filled that space. Avinash Sable grew up in an ordinary family. Avinash’s parents were farmers and Avinash had to walk 6 kilometers to his school. Avinash never thought of making a career in sports but today he created history by getting India a silver medal in steeplechase.
Avinash Sable finished second on Saturday in the final of the Commonwealth Games 2022 men’s 3000m steeplechase and won silver. The story of Sable is different. He never thought of taking himself to sports. He wanted to take care of his family by joining the army. Avinash Sable joined the Army after class 12th and became a part of the 5 Mahar Regiment. During his service, he also lived in minus degree in Siachen, then in the desert areas, he also heated himself in 50 degree temperature.
While in the army, he got a chance to play in athletics events. He started his career unintentionally in sports with cross country. However, his talent soon came to the fore. However, after the injury, his weight increased significantly. But Sable made a comeback and started running again after losing more than 15 kg and now Avinash had started the race from the heart. In 2017, his army coach advised him to run in steeplechase. This is how India’s steeplechaser started.
In the 2018 Open Nationals held in Bhubaneswar, Sable clocked 8:29.88 in the 3000m steeplechase and broke the 30-year national record by 0.12 seconds. Sable clocked 8.28.89 in the 2019 Federation Cup held in Patiala and set a new national record. Sable may have the first medal in the Commonwealth Games on a big stage, but he has not been in this game for long and is expected to continue to wave India’s tricolor in the future.