Avinash Sable Faces Setback Due to Knee Injury Ahead of World Championships
India’s top steeplechase athlete, Avinash Sable, is currently dealing with a significant knee injury that may prevent him from competing in the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. The injury occurred during the recent Monaco Diamond League, when Sable fell after another athlete stumbled in front of him.
Following the fall, Sable underwent successful surgery in Mumbai with the renowned Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala at Kokilaben Hospital. Unfortunately, the incident resulted in a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and damage to his meniscus, which could take months to heal properly.
With the World Championships just weeks away, the likelihood of Sable being fit in time for the event appears slim. Typically, recovery from ACL and meniscus injuries can span from six months to a year, depending on the severity of the injury and the effectiveness of the rehabilitation.
Earlier, his former coach Amrish Kumar had mentioned that the injury might not be as serious as it seemed. However, the current situation indicates that it is indeed more severe.
At 30 years old, Sable has faced challenges before and has shown remarkable resilience. A two-time Olympian, he has transformed Indian athletics from his beginnings in rural Maharashtra to becoming a celebrated figure in the sport. He holds the national record for the 3000m steeplechase with a stunning time of 8:09.91, achieved at the 2024 Paris Diamond League. He has also earned a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and claimed gold at the Asian Games, alongside setting the Indian record in half-marathon at 1:00:30 during the 2020 Delhi Half Marathon.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Sable expressed his gratitude to his medical team and reiterated his commitment to return stronger than ever. “During the Monaco Diamond League, I suffered an ACL and meniscus injury to my right knee. I completed my surgery under the expert care of Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team at Kokilaben Hospital, to whom I’m incredibly thankful. This is a tough setback, but I’m determined to put in the hard work and come back stronger,” he wrote.
Given Sable’s strong spirit, it’s likely he will approach his rehabilitation with the same dedication that has characterized his athletic journey.
