Indian stars Avinash Sable and Parul Chaudhary set new National Records in their respective 5000m events, the Athletics Federation of India said on Sunday.

Sable, the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist in 3000m steeplechase, improved his national record in the men’s 5000m race by clocking 13:19.30 at the On Track Fest in Hilmer Lodge in California, USA. The previous record of 13:25.65 was also set by Sable last year in California, breaking Bahadur Prasad’s long-standing mark from 1965.

Chaudhary, meanwhile, set the national record in the women’s 5000m event at the same meet when she clocked in a time of 15:10.35. The previous record of 15:15.89 was set by Preeja Sreedharan at the 2010 Asian Games.

Chaudhary’s previous best in the 5000m event was 15:36.03 which she set at the Asian Athletics championship in Doha in 2019.

Chaudhary said, “I am feeling great that I have been able to break a record that has been intact for the last 13 years. I am thankful to my coaches, IIS and JSW Sports for constantly supporting me and ensuring that all my requirements for training are taken care of.”

The 2019 Asian Championship bronze medallist also commented on her training in the US and said, “I have been training in the United States since April, and I would say that this training has really benefited me. I have been getting the exposure that is needed, and I would continue training outside the country to improve my results. Every day I set a new target and aim to achieve it. My next target is to qualify for the World Championships, and I am confident that I will do it. My next competition is on the 19th of May, and I want to improve my performance.”