Asian Games: Jinson Johnson Grabs Gold in Men’s 1500m

Johnson clocked 3:44.72sec to claim the top honours.

Jinson Johnson celebrates after his gold in the men’s 1500m. 

(Photo: PTI)

• Jinson Johnson wins gold in men’s 1500m at the 18th Asian Games.
  
• Johnson clocked 3:44.72 minutes to claim the top honours.
  
• 800m champion Manjit Singh finished fourth with a timing of 3:46.57 minutes.
  

India's Jinson Johnson clinched a gold medal in the men's 1500m event as India produced its best ever show in athletics since the 1978 edition.

Jinson’s win on Thursday made amends for his silver in the 800m on Tuesday, where he started as the pre-race favourite.

Yes, it was a sweet revenge for me because these Games come after four years. My weak point is finishing but today (Thursday) I kept energy for the last 80m run.

Jinson Johnson

Jinson was pipped for gold by compatriot Manjit Singh in the 800m race but on Thursday evening he did not give any chance to his rivals to win the race in 3 minutes 44.72 seconds.

He crossed the finishing line after creating a huge opening in the last 80m stretch, leaving behind Iran’s Amir Moradi (3:45.62) and Bahrain’s Mohammed Tiouali (3:45.88), his season's best effort.

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Manjit Singh, who emerged as a surprise winner in the 800m run, finished fourth with a timing of 3:46.57.

Bahadur Prasad was the last Indian to win a medal in men's 1500m at the 1998 Games, where he won a bronze.

(With inputs from PTI)