Avinash Sable qualifies for 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 3000m Steeplechase

Avinash Sable has qualified for 2020 Tokyo Olympics in men's 3000m steeplechase event after he bettered his own national record with a timing of 8:21.37 mins in finals at World Athletics Championship in Doha tonight.  qualification mark for Olympics was 8:22 mins and Sable qualified by bettering his previous national record of 8:25.23 mins. Earlier on Tuesday night, Sable became first Indian track male athlete to reach World Athletics final.  Sable had also become third Indian to break his own national record and reach finals of this edition's World Championship.

Avinash qualified for finals after India's protest

Sable had initially failed to qualify for final as he was twice blocked by Ethiopian runner Takele Nigate in heats. IAAF decided to include Sable in final as 16th participant after y reviewed India's protest. Avinash had finished 7th in heat 3 and 20th overall in men's 3,000 metres Steeplechase clocking 8 minute 25.23 secs but a successful appeal by India put her in finals bracket. After two incidents of obstruction leading to his fall took place during race, Athletics Federation of India had quickly got into act and lodged a protest with organisers.

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Takele Nigate of Ethiopia blocked Avinash twice

In both incidents reigning junior world champion Takele Nigate of Ethiopia, who was running in front of him, tripped and fell which forced Avinash to finish 7th in third heat. In first incident, Sable had to jump over ar competitor as four-five athletes at rear fell over each or. Midway during race, Nigate bumped into an obstacle just in front of Sable. Indian had to virtually climb up obstacle as he was blocked by Ethiopian, reby losing crucial time. Sable n made an impressive recovery towards end but it was t eugh for a place in final on a track where he had won a silver in April in Asian Championships with a time of 8:30.19.

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