'Avinash Sable Has A Chance To Win A Medal At Paris 2024,' Lalita Babar's High Hopes For India's Steeplechase Star

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Avinash Sable is set to compete in the men's 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday (1:38 AM). By securing a spot in the final on 5th August, Sable became the second Indian ever to achieve this milestone in the event, following in the footsteps of Lalita Babar, who made history at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Sable's journey to the final was marked by an impressive performance in the qualification round, where he clocked a time of 8:15.43, placing fifth overall in his heat and first overall across all heats (as per timings), even ahead of the Tokyo Olympics champion Soufiane El Bakkali. Interestingly, he was leading in his first two laps, setting the pace of the race.

Reflecting on Sable's achievements, former Indian steeplechase star Lalita Babar shared her insights and hopes for the upcoming final. "His performance in the qualification was very good, and now he has a chance to win a medal. The timing he achieved in the qualification was excellent. Sable also did well in the competitions before the Paris Olympics. I am very hopeful that he will achieve a good time in the final," she remarked.

Babar also took a moment to reminisce about her own experience in the Rio 2016 Olympics. Lalita was the first Indian to qualify for the 3000m steeplechase final in Rio and she also broke the women's national record in that heat.

"My target was to give a good timing in the heats and the finals. I was confident I would qualify for the final in the heats. My only thought before the final was to do my best," she recounted, highlighting the determination and focus required at such a high level of competition.

As Sable prepares for the final, the Asian Games medalist Lalita expressed her hopes and advice for him. "Avinash has to give his best, that's it because all the participants in the final are very experienced. However, Sable also has good experience in international competitions. I want Avinash to do his best," she emphasised, underscoring the importance of effort and experience.

Sable's presence in the final not only marks a significant achievement for Indian athletics but also brings renewed hope and excitement for the country's prospects in the sport.