For Avinash Sable, another medal at the Asian Games 2026 would mean considerably more than adding to an already impressive collection.
It would mark his return from a period when the Indian distance runner wondered whether there was a way back at all.
Avinash Sable suffered ACL and meniscus injuries last season, leading to a lengthy spell away from competition and a difficult rehabilitation process.
Now back to fitness, the 31-year-old is preparing to defend the 3000m steeplechase title he won at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.
“There was a time when I couldn’t see any goal ahead. It felt like everything was coming to an end,” Sable told Olympics.com. “If I win a medal, it’ll mean a lot because I brought myself back from a place where I felt nothing more could be done.”
Sable’s road back has not been straightforward. His rehabilitation progressed gradually, but the eagerness to return to competition may have initially worked against him.
“I think I might have rushed my return a bit, which caused the injury to recur,” Sable admitted. “Every athlete wants to get back on the track as quickly as possible and make a fast comeback. Something similar happened to me.”
Sable stepped up his training earlier this year in an attempt to return for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but was ultimately unable to compete.
He has since taken a more measured approach and has spent the past month training over steeplechase hurdles.
Sports Authority of India (SAI) has also been part of Sable’s training set-up during his journey back to competition.
He trained at the organisation’s Southern Centre in Bengaluru during his 2025 World Championships build-up. He later returned to the facility for his latest comeback, using its Smart Track as part of his preparations for the Asian Games.
“Right now, I feel fit for competition,” Sable declared. “Our main focus remains the Asian Games. By the time I get there, I want my fitness back to where it needs to be.
“We’re going in with the goal of repeating the gold I won last time. That’s the mindset I’m carrying, and I feel fit for it.”
Sable will head into this year’s Asian Games in circumstances considerably different from his previous campaign.
In 2023, the Indian runner had a full season of competition behind him before winning the 3000m steeplechase gold and 5000m silver. This time, competitive opportunities have been scarce.
Sable had hoped to race in Europe in August but could not find a suitable steeplechase event, leaving training as the primary measure of his progress.
Despite arriving as the defending champion, Sable does not view the expectation of retaining his title as an additional burden.
“I wouldn’t call it pressure,” he said. “But there’s a thought that we need to perform better than last time, maintain that steeplechase gold and repeat that performance.
“There is a bit of expectation to maintain that performance level, but I’m not carrying heavy pressure or worrying about what will happen. I just believe in the practice we’ve put in and aim to give my best.”
Sable’s immediate ambition is another Asian Games gold. But after what he has endured over the past year, he believes simply fighting his way back into medal contention can carry a message of its own.
“Going forward, I think this will serve as motivation for upcoming athletes – that challenges will come, but face them head-on,” Sable said.
“Believe in yourself and keep working hard. Whatever your target is, it will definitely be achieved.”
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/avinash-sable-injury-comeback-asian-games-2026-steeplechase
