Can Avinash Sable pull off major upset win in Diamond League Finale?

Indian steeplechase star Avinash Sable is gearing up for the Diamond League finale in Brussels, with hopes of pulling off a stunning upset. After a challenging season and a disappointing finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 29-year-old athlete will now compete among the best in the world. Despite finishing 14th in the overall standings, Sable has secured a spot in the top 12, giving him a shot at redemption.

Second Chance after Olympic disappointment

For Avinash Sable, the Diamond League finale presents an opportunity to make up for his Olympic performance, where he finished 11th in the 3000m steeplechase. The prestigious Diamond League, taking place over two days, will feature top athletes from across the globe, including numerous Olympic medalists. Sable will compete on the first day, September 13, 2024, in what will be his maiden appearance in the Diamond League season finale.

The event will also feature world-class athletes like pole vault record-holder Armand Duplantis, American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, and hurdling superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, setting the stage for an electrifying competition at the King Baudouin Stadium.

Sable’s journey to the finale has been full of unexpected turns. Although he finished 14th in the Diamond League standings with just three points, the withdrawal of four top-ranked athletes paved the way for his entry into the final. World record holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia, Geordie Beamish of New Zealand, Ryuji Mura of Japan, and Hillary Bor of the USA pulled out, allowing Sable to slip into the top 12 cut-off.

Earlier this season, Sable finished sixth in the Paris leg of the Diamond League, setting a national record time of 8:09.91, bettering his own previous best. However, a slower time of 8:29.96 at the Silesia leg left him outside the top spots.

Shot at the Diamond Trophy

As Sable prepares for the final, the stakes are high. The Diamond League season finale awards its champion the coveted ‘Diamond Trophy,’ along with USD 30,000 prize money and a wild card entry to the World Athletics Championships. Even a runner-up finish would secure him USD 12,000, providing strong motivation for the Indian athlete to push his limits.

Avinash Sable’s Final challenge

Avinash Sable will face tough competition in the 3000m steeplechase final, with top athletes like Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco, Daniel Arce of Spain, and Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot. Despite the odds, Sable’s inclusion in the final gives him a golden opportunity to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in athletics.

With the competition set to begin at 12:39 AM IST on September 14, 2024, all eyes will be on Sable to see if he can rise to the occasion and pull off a major upset in the Diamond League finale. The event will be broadcast live on JioCinema and Sports 18, giving fans a chance to cheer for the Indian steeplechase record-holder.