Avinash Sable eyes Asian Games double, 5,000m qualification in Indian Athletics Series final

New Delhi: With an Asian Games double in his sights, Avinash Sable will put his steeplechase skills to the test at the Indian Athletics Series final here on Thursday while also chasing the 5,000m qualification mark of 13:39.18 seconds.The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is seeking approval from the Aichi-Nagoya Games organisers for Sable to contest the 5,000m alongside his confirmed 3,000m steeplechase event. But the Hangzhou Asian Games gold medallist must first breach the AFI qualification mark at the JLN stadium.“I am looking forward to evaluating my skills in Thursday’s race before the Japan Asian Games,” Sable said on Wednesday. “Negotiating water jumps in the steeplechase race is an important part of the strategy,” he added.It has been nearly 14 months since the national record holder last competed in the gruelling event featuring seven water barriers and 28 fixed hurdles. Sable suffered an injury at the 2025 Monaco Diamond League and has since undergone rehabilitation.“I’m mentally and physically strong enough to face any challenge during the Games,” he said. Sable won steeplechase gold and 5,000m silver at the Hangzhou Games in 2023 and hopes to win two medals in Japan. His national record is 8:09.91, set at the 2024 Paris Diamond League.Attention will also be on the quartermilers and the women’s 4x400m team.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.