India’s track and field athlete Avinash Sable, who has secured a spot for the Paris Olympics, has once again shattered his own national record in the 3000m steeplechase. Competing in the prestigious Diamond League event, Sable completed the race in 8 minutes and 9.91 seconds, earning a commendable sixth place.
Hailing from the Beed district in Maharashtra, Sable surpassed his previous national record of 8:11.20, which he set in 2022, by a margin of 1.5 seconds. This achievement marks another milestone in his career, showcasing his continuous improvement and dedication to the sport.
The race saw a thrilling finish, with Ethiopia’s Abraham Sim clinching first place in a dramatic ‘photo finish.’ Sim clocked a time of 8:02.36, narrowly edging out Kenya’s Amos Serem, who finished with an identical time of 8:02.36. The third position was secured by Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot, who completed the race in 8:06.70.
Sable’s performance in the Diamond League is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. Two years ago, he set a national record by winning a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. This latest feat marks the 10th time he has set a national record, further solidifying his status as one of India’s premier distance runners.
In another notable performance from the Diamond League, Indian javelin thrower Kishore Jena, who is also an Olympic team member, faced challenges as he finished eighth in the men’s javelin event with an effort of 78.10m. Jena, whose personal best stands at 87.54m and season’s best at 80.84m, has struggled to find his top form this season. His recent performances include a throw of 76.31m at the Doha Diamond League and 75.49m at the Federation Cup.
Despite his recent struggles, Jena’s career highlights include winning a silver medal at last year’s Asian Games. His current form indicates a need for further improvement as he prepares for future competitions, including the upcoming Paris Olympics.