India’s national record holder in the 3000m steeplechase, Avinash Sable, has completed a successful surgery for an injury in his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus.
However, the recovery period — usually six to eight weeks for a typical ACL injury — renders him doubtful for the World Athletics Championships, set to be played between September 13 and 21.
“During the Monaco Diamond League, I suffered an ACL and meniscus injury to my right knee. It’s a tough setback, but I’m determined to do the hard work and come back stronger,” Sable wrote on Instagram.
Sable failed to finish the men’s 3000m steeplechase event in Monaco as he fell during the water jump early in the race. He was seen clutching his lower thigh area just at the back of the knee as he left the race.
“I’ve completed my surgery under the expert care of Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team at Kokilaben Hospital, to whom I’m grateful beyond words,” Sable added.
“I also want to thank the Athletics Federation of India, TOPS, Sports Authority of India, the Inspire Institute of Sport, Nike and JSW Sports for standing by me during this period.”
Sable, whose national record stands at 8 minutes 09.91 seconds, finished 13th in the Xiamen DL on April 16, was eighth in Keqiao — also in China — before a DNF in Monaco.
Though the sports ministry had approved Sable’s training in the USA to prepare for the World Championships, the surgery casts doubt on his availability at the event in Tokyo.
