In a thrilling event, Manjit Singh won GOLD as India achieved a rare one-two in men’s 800m at the Asian Games here on Tuesday.
Never considered a medal contender, Manjit surprised one and all by getting ahead the much-favorite contender, Jinson Johnson to clinch the gold with a timing of 1:46.15s, which was 0.20s faster than Johnson, (the Asian Championship medallist from Kerala). Johnson finished second and bagged silver.
Watch the race and winning moments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABOnVSzNjHU
India’s last gold in men’s 800m was won by Charles Borromeo in the 1982 Asian Games.
It was India’s only second one-two finish in 800m at the Games since Ranjit Singh and Kulwant Singh achieved the feat at the inaugural edition held in New Delhi in 1951.
Coached by India Army’s Amreesh Kumar, Manjit bettered his personal best mark of 1:46.24s set in Guwahati this year at the Nationals to claim his maiden major international medal.
While others did not give him a chance, Manjit said he was determined to prove his worth.
At the end of the race, Jonhson said Manjit was outstanding and deserved to win. “He really ran well that’s why he finished first. He was outstanding,” the silver medallist added.
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Source: REUTERS.