Avinash Sable did the unthinkable, winning silver in the 3000-metre men’s steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games. The Maharashtrian broke his national record in the event, setting a personal best of 8:11.20. Eventually splitting the two Kenyans, Amos Serem in third and Abraham Kibiwot at first, the Indian during periods in the race looked capable of a win. The finish was close, with Kibiwot edging Sable by a hair’s breadth. Regardless, it was India’s fourth track and field medal-and third silver- in Birmingham.

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The army man began impressively, leading the pack going into the first 500 metres. However, the Kenyan trio of Kibiwot, Serem and Conseslus Kipruto assumed control, pushing Sable to fourth. Kibiwot moved into the lead by the 1000-metre mark, tailed by Kipruto and Serem. The order would remain the same for two-thirds of the race, but a stunning dash from the 27-year-old Beed-born runner over the last 1000 shocked the field and spectators alike. Breaching the Kenyan stranglehold, he brisked past Serem and the heavily-favoured Kipruto. The latter- twice World Champion and 2016 Olympic gold medallist- had a rare off day, spiralling away from the podium races, falling to sixth as a result. With a lap to go, Sable was eating into Kibiwot’s lead, threatening an upset.

But he erred slightly on the last hurdle, causing him to trip and lose balance. Regardless, he ran on, albeit staggering over the final 100 metres. The silver adds more gloss to an already fine season. Competing in his first Diamond League event, he finished fifth, setting the national record. In the World Championships, he managed a career-best eleventh at the tourney.

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Sable’s silver followed moments after Priyanka Goswami’s similar effort in the 10000 metres (10 km) race-walk, opening the morning’s action for the track and field contingent with medal success.