Jinson Johnson Follows Silver with a Gold at Asian Games

August 30, 2018 Dwayne Fernandes Sports Scoops 0

Jakarta, 30 August 2018: It’s a huge achievement when an Indian athlete wins a track and field medal at a global sporting competition. Guess what’s an even better achievement? Winning two medals in the same competition. Well, ace Indian sprinter Jinson Johnson has outrun his opponents to win a gold in the men’s 1,500 meters event, after a silver medal earlier on in the competition.

Johnson won gold in the men’s 1,500 meters final, with a timing of 3:44.72 here at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Thursday. Earlier, he had won a silver in men’s 800 meters final. Manjit Singh, his countryman, switched spots with Johnson, winning gold in the 800 meters event and here, finishing fourth in the 1,500 meters, and missing his own second medal of the 2018 Asian Games.

The records have been tumbling for India, having a brilliant run so far in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, especially when it comes to athletics, something that hasn’t been India’s forte over the decades. Another rarity was seen today, as Johnson’s gold become India’s first Asiad gold in the men’s 1,500 meters event in 56 long years!

This was India’s 12th medal in this edition of the Games, and their 57th overall medal. He created a huge lead over his opponents in the final 80 meters, leaving behind Amir Moradi (3:45.62) and Mohammed Tiouali (3:45.88) to finish on top of the podium. Bahadur Prasad was India’s last medalist in this 1,500 meters event, winning bronze at the 1998 Games.

The day went on to be a brilliant one for India, with Seema Punia winning bronze in the women’s discus throw event and Chitra Unnikrishnan taking home bronze in the women’s 1,500 meters race. Team India also won their 5th consecutive Asiad gold in the women’s 4×400 meters relay race.