In athletics, India's Avinash Sable qualified for the finals of the men's 3000-meter steeplechase under dramatic circumstances after bettering his own national record at the World Championships in Doha yesterday. Avinash also became the first Indian man to qualify for a track event final. He clocked 8 minutes 25.23 seconds, bettering his earlier national record of 8:28.94, to finish seventh in the first round. However, later Athletics Federation of India filed an appeal, saying that Avinash was blocked twice during the race, and he got a favourable decision.

There was no change in his position but he has been added as a competitor for the final race to be run on Friday.

Another Indian Annu Rani failed to repeat her impressive qualifying round form as she finished eighth in the women's javelin throw. Annu, who created history when she became the first Indian woman to qualify for the javelin throw final, could only produce a best of 61.12 meter in the final round competition yesterday.