Jinson Johnson Bids Farewell to Athletics After Stellar Career

Jinson Johnson, an accomplished Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist, has announced his retirement from athletics. Reflecting on his journey from a young dreamer in Kolkata to a celebrated athlete, Johnson highlights his significant achievements, including breaking national records and winning medals at prestigious events. His emotional farewell expresses gratitude to coaches, supporters, and fellow athletes who played a vital role in his career. As he steps away from the sport, Johnson leaves behind a legacy of resilience and dedication, reminding us that every achievement is a collective effort.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 8, 2026, 08:32 IST

A Dream Realized

Jinson Johnson, an Olympian and gold medalist at the Asian Games, officially announced his retirement from athletics on Wednesday. He reflected on his journey from being a 'boy with a dream' to standing on the podium at the Asian Games.

Milestones Achieved

The middle-distance runner, who dedicated over ten years to the sport, marked a significant achievement at the Rio 2016 Olympics. He became the first Indian male athlete to qualify for the 800m event since Sriram Singh in 1980, finishing fifth. Johnson later excelled at the Asian Games in Jakarta 2018, where he won gold in the 1500m and silver in the 800m. At the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou, he added a bronze in the 1500m, completing his collection of medals. Additionally, he earned silver and bronze at the Asian Athletics Championships in 2015 and 2017, respectively, and set a national record in the 1500m at the ISTAF Berlin meet in 2019 with a time of 3:35.24.

Reflecting on His Journey

In an Instagram post, Johnson shared, "From a boy with a dream, I started my journey in Kolkata and reached the Asian Games podium in Hangzhou 2023. Thank you, Athletics. Some journeys are measured in meters and seconds, while others are measured in tears, sacrifices, faith, and the support of those who never let me fall."

The Beginning of an Era

Johnson reminisced about his start in athletics in 2007, when he won a national-level medal at school. Although he was unaware of the challenges ahead, he was determined to "run for India." He stated, "My journey began in 2007 in Kolkata, with my first school National medal. I did not know then where this road would lead me. I only knew one thing - I wanted to run for India. What followed was a life shaped by relentless training, quiet struggles, painful injuries, lonely tracks, comebacks that tested my soul, and moments that made every sacrifice worth it."

Record-Breaking Achievements

He recalled breaking a 42-year-old record in the 800m at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in 2018 and subsequently breaking the 1500m record at the Commonwealth Games that same year. He described these achievements as the "proudest moments of his life," stating, "Breaking two National Records and contributing to Indian Athletics remains one of the proudest moments of my life. I was blessed to represent my country at the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. Every time I wore the tricolor, I ran not just with my legs, but with my heart."

Challenges and Comebacks

Johnson mentioned that his career faced significant challenges starting in 2019 due to the COVID pandemic and a serious Achilles tendon injury. He stated, "After three long years of setbacks and recovery, I returned to win a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023—my final race at the National and International level."

Gratitude and Farewell

Expressing his gratitude, Johnson emphasized that his journey was not solely his own. He thanked his coaches, the Athletics Federation of India, and various organizations for their support. He said, "I bow in deep gratitude to all my coaches who guided me through every phase of my career. Your belief carried me on days when my body was tired, and my mind was heavy."

Final Thoughts

In closing, Johnson reflected on the lessons learned from athletics, stating, "The track taught me discipline, resilience, and respect. Though I retire from racing, athletics will always live in my heart. Thank you for everything. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you, India. With love and gratitude, Jinson Johnson."