Jinson Johnson Bids Farewell to Athletics After Stellar Career

Jinson Johnson, the celebrated Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist, has announced his retirement from athletics after a remarkable career spanning over a decade. From his humble beginnings in Kolkata to achieving podium finishes at prestigious events, Johnson's journey is filled with inspiring moments and significant milestones. He reflects on his achievements, including breaking national records and winning medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. As he steps away from the sport, Johnson expresses deep gratitude to his coaches, family, and supporters who played a crucial role in his success. His heartfelt farewell highlights the lessons learned and the memories cherished throughout his athletic career.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 8, 2026, 01:55 IST

Jinson Johnson's Remarkable Journey in Athletics

On January 7, Jinson Johnson, an Olympian and gold medalist from the Asian Games, announced his retirement from athletics, reflecting on his journey from a 'boy with a dream' to standing on the podium at the Asian Games.

The middle-distance runner, who dedicated over ten years to the sport, made history at the Rio 2016 Olympics by becoming the first Indian male athlete to qualify for the 800m event since Sriram Singh in 1980, finishing fifth in the race.

Johnson later achieved significant success at the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games, where he won gold in the 1500m and silver in the 800m. He also secured a bronze in the 1500m at the recent Hangzhou Asian Games, completing his collection of medals from the event. Additionally, he earned silver and bronze medals 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 beginnings, Johnson shared that his athletic career commenced in 2007 when he won a national-level medal in school. At that time, he was unaware of the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead, but he was determined to 'run for India.'

He recounted, "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."

Johnson also highlighted his pride in breaking a 42-year-old record in the 800m at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in 2018, followed by another record in the 1500m at the Commonwealth Games that same year, calling these achievements the 'proudest moments of his life.'

"In 2018, at the National Inter-State Athletics Championship in Guwahati, I broke the 42-year-old National Record in 800m. The same year, at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, I broke the 23-year-old National Record in the 1500m. 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 tricolour, I ran not just with my legs, but with my heart," he expressed.

He noted that everything was progressing well until 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe Achilles tendon injury severely impacted his career.

"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," he stated.

Johnson emphasized that his journey was not solely his own, expressing gratitude to his coaches, the Athletics Federation of India, and various organizations that supported him throughout his career.

"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. I am forever thankful to the Athletics Federation of India, Reliance Foundation, Sports Authority of India, Army Sports Institute, 851 Lt Regt Artillery Centre, and all the media people. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—often unseen, but always felt," he remarked.

"To my training partners and fellow athletes, thank you for pushing me every single day. You turned pain into progress and struggle into strength. I would not be the athlete I am without you," he added.

"To my family and friends—my greatest blessing. You stood by me through injuries, disappointments, and long absences. Your prayers, patience, and love kept me standing when I felt broken. Every medal, every record, every achievement belongs to you," he concluded.

As he steps away from competitive athletics, Johnson expressed his feelings of humility and gratitude, 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."