Sable Clinches Historic Steeplechase Gold
Avinash Sable delivered a commanding performance to win the men’s 3000m steeplechase gold at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025, ending India’s 36-year wait in the event. The Asian Games gold medallist clocked a season-best time of 8:20.92s to secure the top spot on the podium in Gumi, South Korea. This was his second medal at the continental level after a silver in Doha in 2019. Sable became the first Indian man since Dina Ram in 1989 to win the 3000m steeplechase at the Asian Championships. From the starting gun, the 30-year-old was in complete control, showcasing experience gained from multiple World Championships and Diamond League appearances. His dominance was such that he lapped at least one runner on the final circuit. Japan’s Yutaro Niinae, who briefly took the lead entering the last lap, settled for silver with 8:24.41s, while Qatar’s Zakaria Elahlaami claimed bronze in 8:27.12s.
Jyothi Yarraji Defends Hurdles Title in Style
Later in the day, Jyothi Yarraji stormed to gold in the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking a Championship Record time of 12.96s. The 25-year-old defended her title in sensational fashion, edging out Japan’s Tanaka and China’s Wu, both of whom finished in 13.06s. Despite a slow start that saw her trailing for most of the race, the Asian Games silver medallist produced a remarkable comeback in the final stretch. Her clean hurdle technique and powerful closing strides sealed her second career gold at the Asian meet.
The victory comes after a challenging run-up to the championships, where Yarraji struggled with injuries. The gold serves as a significant morale booster ahead of the World Championships year.
Relay Team Shines, Distance Runners Deliver
Earlier on Thursday, India’s men’s 4x400m relay team—comprising Rince Joseph, Dharmveer Choudhary, Manu Thekkinalil Saji, and Mohit Kumar—stormed into the final with a record-breaking and heat-topping performance.
India has now won four gold medals at the championships:
- Gulveer Singh in the men’s 10,000m on Tuesday
-
The mixed 4x400m relay team on Wednesday
-
Avinash Sable in the 3000m steeplechase
-
Jyothi Yarraji in the 100m hurdles
India’s strong performances across sprint, hurdles, and long-distance events ensured they stayed firmly in the top three of the overall medal standings at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025.
About the Author
Arpit Sharma is a sports writer and journalism student at Chandigarh University, with a strong interest in sports analysis and storytelling. His writing combines match insights with a fresh, fan-first perspective that brings the game to life.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr's views.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
©️ Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Vygr Media.
