Avinash Sable Undergoes ACL Surgery, to Miss 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
New Delhi, July 30 – In a significant blow to Indian athletics ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Asian Games gold medallist Avinash Sable has been ruled out of the competition following a major anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The national steeplechase record holder underwent surgery in Mumbai after sustaining the injury during the Monaco Diamond League meet on July 11.
The 30-year-old steeplechase star underwent the surgical procedure at Kokilaben Hospital, under the expert supervision of renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, known for treating several top Indian athletes including Neeraj Chopra and Hardik Pandya.
Injury at Monaco DL Cuts Sable’s Season Short
Sable was competing at the Monaco Diamond League when disaster struck early in the race. During the first water jump, an athlete ahead of him stumbled and fell, causing Sable to lose balance and fall awkwardly. He was later seen clutching the back of his right knee and had to withdraw mid-race, registering a Did Not Finish (DNF).
Initially believed to be a minor setback, Sable's injury was later diagnosed as a full ACL and meniscus tear, requiring immediate surgical intervention.
“During the Monaco Diamond League, I suffered an ACL and meniscus injury to my right knee. 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 shared via social media on Tuesday.
“It’s a tough setback, but I’m determined to do the hard work and come back stronger,” he added.
Recovery Timeline Rules Out Major Competitions
An ACL surgery typically requires at least six months of rehabilitation, which effectively rules Sable out of the World Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21, 2025.
Despite having secured direct qualification for the event by clocking under 8:15.00 minutes (the entry standard), Sable’s recovery timeline means he won’t be returning to competitive action until early 2026.
The injury also ends what had been a rocky but hopeful season for Sable. He had been working on regaining peak form after battling a lingering calf injury since the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where he claimed gold.
Season Recap: From Paris to Monaco
Sable’s 2025 season began with promise. He finished:
- 13th at the Xiamen Diamond League in April
- 8th at the Keqiao meet in China
- Before suffering a DNF at Monaco in July
In all these races, he was gradually building towards his peak. His personal best and national record in the 3000m steeplechase stands at 8:09.91, making him a serious medal contender on the world stage.
The Indian sports ministry had even cleared his request for training stints in the USA, indicating high hopes of a strong showing in Tokyo. The injury now derails that momentum.
Second Top Indian Athlete to Undergo ACL Surgery This Month
Sable isn’t the only high-profile Indian track star sidelined by an ACL tear this month. 100m hurdles national record holder Jyothi Yarraji, also an Asian Games medallist, recently underwent ACL surgery after a freak injury during training.
These back-to-back injuries to India’s top track athletes are a cause for concern for Indian athletics authorities ahead of a crucial competitive year.
India’s Steeplechase Legacy Takes a Pause
Sable has been instrumental in bringing international recognition to Indian steeplechasing. He broke the long-standing national record multiple times and competed with the world’s best, including at the Olympics, World Championships, and Diamond League events.
His consistent performances made him a role model for young middle-distance runners in India. With his absence from the World Championships, India will have no representation in the men’s 3000m steeplechase event.
What’s Next for Sable?
While recovery from ACL reconstruction is tough, Sable has shown resilience throughout his career. Experts suggest that with proper physiotherapy and guided rehabilitation, he can be expected to return to track by mid-2026, in time to build toward the 2026 Asian Games and Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
His coach and team remain hopeful. “Avinash has always shown incredible grit. We’re confident he’ll bounce back stronger than ever,” said a member of his training staff.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Avinash Sable's injury and subsequent surgery come as a major setback for Indian athletics just months before the Tokyo World Championships. However, his attitude and proven track record of comebacks inspire confidence in his return. While India will miss his presence on the track in 2025, fans and experts alike will be eagerly waiting for his comeback.
For now, the focus shifts to his recovery journey, and TheTrendingPeople.com will continue tracking updates on his rehabilitation, progress, and eventual return to the track.