Mumbai, July 29 (UNI) Two-time Olympian and national record holder Avinash Sable has undergone successful surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injury in his right knee, the steeplechase ace confirmed today.
Sable suffered the injury during a fall in the Monaco Diamond League on July 11. The incident occurred when he stumbled over the water jump after a competitor ahead of him lost balance, forcing the 30-year-old Indian to limp off the track in visible distress.
“It’s a tough setback, but I’m determined to do the hard work and come back stronger,” Sable posted on social media, alongside a photo from his hospital bed.
The surgical procedure was performed at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital under the supervision of noted sports injury specialist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala. “I’ve completed my surgery under the expert care of Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team… I’ll be back faster and stronger,” he added in the stautement.
The ACL and meniscus are critical to knee stability and mobility. Injuries of this nature typically require extended rehabilitation, often sidelining athletes for six months or longer.
The Monaco race was Sable’s first competition since clinching the Asian 3000m steeplechase crown in May and his third Diamond League appearance of the 2025 season. He had earlier finished 13th in Xiamen (8:22.59) and eighth in Shanghai (8:23.85), later disclosing that he had been carrying calf and hamstring niggles throughout the season.
Sable holds the Indian national record in the 3000m steeplechase at 8:09.91, clocked at the 2024 Paris Diamond League. He is also the reigning Asian Games champion and Commonwealth Games silver medallist in the event. In addition, he owns the Indian half marathon record with a time of 1:00:30, set during the 2020 Delhi Half Marathon.
Sable’s recovery will be closely monitored, with the hope of his return ahead of the 2026 athletics calendar.
