Avinash Sable returns from the corner to the limelight at the 2026 Asian Games

Few athletes will have more expectations for India at the Asian Games than Avinash Sable.The defending Asian Games champion, Asian Games record holder (8:19.50) and national record holder (8:09.91) in the 3000m steeplechase heads into the continental showpiece as one of the country’s most reliable gold medal prospects.For much of last year, however, Sable’s chance of defending his steeplechase crown was far from certain, as he suffered a horrific diving crash at the Monaco Diamond League in July 2025. It left him with a severe ACL and torn meniscus in his right knee.The injury turned even routine training into a challenge and forced the 31-year-old to undergo months of rehabilitation before he could begin serious preparations for another championship campaign.“It is not a small story,” coach Kalyan Chaudhuri told TOI in an exclusive interview.“After tearing the ACL, even running was difficult. The last seven to eight months were very crucial. The real preparation only started about three or four months ago because rebuilding strength for hurdles, diving and specific race work was not easy.”Now, with the Games approaching, Chaudhuri believes Sable has recovered enough to challenge for another steeplechasing gold while also competing in the 5000m, in which he won silver in Hangzhou.His recent performance at the Indian Athletics Series finals in New Delhi last week, where he won the men’s 3000m steeplechase title with a time of 8:32.39, was also encouraging.But the return was not without setbacks.During the high altitude camp at Ooty in April this year, Sable suffered a hamstring strain that interrupted his progress and required another round of rehabilitation. According to Chaudhuri, the period between May and mid-June proved to be crucial in speeding up his recovery.“We focused on strengthening, especially around the knee, after the ACL repair. This phase was key to regaining his previous strength and endurance,” said the deputy national head coach of athletics.While the ACL injury didn’t affect Sable’s hurdling or diving technique, Chaudhuri admitted there were still subtle reminders of the setback during training.According to the coach, his running mechanics can sometimes seem slightly altered during warm-ups and slower movement before settling into a natural rhythm. However, once he moves into the race-specific sessions, he “runs absolutely fine as before”.The coach credited a wider support system including recovery specialists, strength and conditioning experts and SAI Bengaluru staff for helping Sable return to elite competition. Nevertheless, he believes that the athlete’s own understanding of his body played an equally important role.“He is one of the most intelligent athletes I have worked with. He knows his body’s response and understands what is needed for recovery. Training such an intelligent athlete is truly a blessing for a coach,” said Chaudhuri.While competition options have been limited since injury, the grades have been promising. Sable clocked 13:45.52 in the 5,000m in Belgium last month and then put in encouraging performances in training.The coach admitted that serious injuries can sometimes leave lingering doubts in an athlete’s mind, especially in a crowded steeplechase race where competitors jockey for position as they approach obstacles and dives. However, he says that Sable remains mentally out of sorts.“I feel like after an injury like that he can be a bit scared in crowded situations, but he told me he’s completely used to it. He says he doesn’t feel any difference,” Chaudhuri added.Apart from his medal ambitions, Sable has also emerged as a mentor in India’s middle and long distance running system. But after a year spent battling injury, rehabilitation and uncertainty, the defending champions will now have only themselves to focus on as they attempt to reclaim continental glory.If Chaudhuri’s assessment is accurate, Sable could once again find himself at the helm of India’s athletics campaign in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, chasing a career-defining performance.