In an exciting display of athletic prowess, the final round of the prestigious Diamond League is currently underway in Brussels, Belgium. Athletes from various countries are striving for excellence, but for Indian sprinter Avinash Sable, the occasion has been bittersweet. September 13 marked his 30th birthday, a day he had hoped to celebrate with a stellar performance in the 3000 meter steeplechase. Unfortunately, Sable finished in 9th place, with all eyes now turning to javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, whose event is scheduled for Saturday, September 14.
Avinash Sable’s Disappointing Performance
Avinash Sable’s race did not go as planned. He clocked a time of 8:17.09 minutes, a significant distance from reaching his personal best or even coming close to the national record he set earlier this year in Paris with a time of 8:09.91. Runners and spectators alike had anticipated a stronger showing from Sable, especially on such a significant day. Unfortunately, his performance placed him 9th out of 10 competitors in this high-stakes final event.
AVINASH SABLE FINISHES 9TH AT THE DIAMOND LEAGUE FINAL 💎
Asiad Champ & NR Holder Sable finished 9th (out of 10 competitors) in his first #DLFinal clocking 8:17.09!
Olympic Champ El Bakkali was upset by Amos Serem in 8:06.90 to win the Diamond League Trophy!
— SPORTS ARENA🇮🇳 (@SportsArena1234) September 13, 2024
According to reports, the field in the Diamond League final was slightly reduced, with notable withdrawals from athletes like Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma, New Zealand’s Jordy Beamish, and representatives from the US and Japan. This turn of events allowed Sable to reach the top-10, a feat he had not previously anticipated given the competitive landscape. His overall ranking for the year in the Diamond League stands at 14th with a total of just 3 points.
Looking Ahead: It’s Neeraj Chopra’s Turn
While Avinash Sable’s performance may have left fans disheartened, the spotlight now shifts to Neeraj Chopra, who will take to the field in his event. Chopra, the reigning silver medalist from the Paris Olympics with a remarkable throw of 89.45 meters, is expected to capture the audience’s attention. Notably, his main rival, Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem, will not be competing in this event, which could lend an advantage to Chopra.
However, Neeraj must remain vigilant of Anderson Peters, another formidable competitor who has demonstrated the ability to throw over 90 meters on multiple occasions. As Chopra aims for a remarkable performance, fans and analysts alike are keen to see if he can reach new heights in his career.
As the Diamond League final unfolds, it remains a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of athletics, where every race and every throw can make a significant impact on the careers of these outstanding athletes.
