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Avinash Sable, India's most decorated track and field athlete after Neeraj Chopra, has become the first Indian man to qualify for the 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris Olympics. Sable finished fifth in his heat with a time of 8:15.43 minutes, securing a spot in the final round.Sable's heat was won by Morocco's Mohamed Tindouft (8:10.62 minutes), followed by Samuel Firewu of Ethiopia (8:11.61 minutes). Abraham Kibiwot of Kenya (8:12.02 minutes) and Ryuji Miura of Japan (8:12.41 minutes) finished third and fourth, respectively.Despite leading the first two laps, Sable slowed down strategically to conserve energy and qualify for the final. His heat timing was below his personal best of 8:09.91 minutes, which he set at the Paris Diamond League last month.In the women's 400m, Kiran Pahal failed to secure an automatic semi-final berth after finishing seventh in her heat. Pahal clocked 52.51 seconds, well below her season's and personal best of 50.92 seconds.World champion Marileidy Paulino of Dominica won Pahal's heat with a time of 49.42 seconds, followed by Aaliyah Butler (50.52 seconds) of the USA and Susanne Gogl-Walli (50.67 seconds) of Austria.Pahal will now compete in the repechage round on Tuesday, where she will have a second chance to qualify for the semi-finals. The repechage round was introduced in the Paris Olympics for all individual track events from 200m to 1500m, including hurdles events.

Haryana's Kiran Pahal has etched her name in history by becoming the second Indian woman to qualify for the Paris Olympics in the women's 400 meters. At the ongoing National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana, Pahal clocked an impressive 50.92 seconds in the semifinal, surpassing the qualifying mark of 50.95 seconds.Pahal's remarkable performance not only secured her a berth at the prestigious Games but also marked her best timing of the season. She displayed exceptional speed and endurance, leaving her competitors behind. Devy Aniba Zala of Gujarat finished a distant second with a timing of 53.44, while Sneha K of Kerala came third with a time of 53.51.Pahal's qualification is a testament to her unwavering determination and rigorous training. She has consistently pushed her limits and showcased her exceptional talent on the track. Her achievement is a source of pride for India and inspires aspiring athletes across the nation.The Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, will witness Pahal competing against the world's best in the women's 400 meters. Her qualification is a significant milestone in Indian athletics and raises expectations for a strong performance at the Games.