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Avinash Sable, India's steeplechase star, is set to make his Diamond League Final debut in Brussels, Belgium on Saturday, September 14. The event marks a significant opportunity for Sable to redeem himself after a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where he finished 11th.The Diamond League Final, held over two days for the first time, will feature an elite field of athletes from across the globe, including a record number of Olympic medalists. Sable's participation in the men's 3000m steeplechase event is a testament to his impressive season, which saw him finish 14th in the overall Diamond League standings.Despite not initially qualifying for the final, Sable's inclusion was secured after four athletes ranked higher than him withdrew due to injuries. This opportunity is particularly significant as it marks the first time two Indians will compete in the Diamond League finale.Sable's journey to the Diamond League Final has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He set a new national record in the 3000m steeplechase earlier this year, but his Olympic performance fell short of expectations. However, Sable remains determined to prove his worth on the global stage.The Diamond League Final will be a challenging test for Sable, who will face stiff competition from the likes of Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco and world champion Conseslus Kipruto of Kenya. Nevertheless, Sable's determination and resilience make him a formidable contender.The event will be telecast live on Sports18 3 and Sports18 1 HD TV channels in India, and live-streamed on the JioCinema app and website.

Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali etched his name in Olympic history by successfully defending his 3000m steeplechase title at the Paris Olympics 2024. His victory marked a remarkable achievement, making him only the third Arab athlete to win double gold at the Summer Games.El Bakkali's triumph was hard-fought, as he faced stiff competition from American Kenneth Rooks and Kenyan Abraham Kibiwot. However, the Moroccan runner displayed his resilience and determination, clocking a time of 8min 06.05sec to secure the gold medal. Rooks and Kibiwot finished with silver and bronze, respectively.The race was marred by a worrying incident involving Ethiopian world record holder Lamecha Girma. Girma suffered a severe fall at a hurdle, leaving him prone on the track. He was eventually stretchered off and taken to the hospital, but thankfully, he did not require surgery.El Bakkali's victory was particularly significant as he overcame a challenging year marked by injuries. He credited his teammate Mohamed Tindouft for helping him break the Ethiopian team's tactics during the race."I was suffering from an injury, but I was able to overcome it," said El Bakkali. "The race was not easy. There was an Ethiopian plan, but thank God my compatriot Tindouft helped me."El Bakkali's second Olympic gold places him among the elite Arab athletes who have achieved double victories at the Summer Games. He joins Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj and Tunisian swimmer Oussama Mellouli in this exclusive club.While El Bakkali celebrated his triumph, concerns lingered over Girma's condition. The Ethiopian runner's fall raised questions about the safety of the steeplechase event and the need for improved safety measures.