End of an era: Indian track legend Jinson Johnson hangs up his spikes - Here are his achievements
The 34-year-old Olympic participant and Asian Games gold medalist reflected on his journey from Chakkittapara to the global stage. Jinson won two medals at the 2018 Asian Games, including a gold.
Last Updated: 05.40 PM, Jan 07, 2026
Indian athletics bid an emotional farewell today to one of its most decorated middle-distance stars. Jinson Johnson, the Asian Games gold medalist and two-time national record holder, officially announced his retirement from competitive athletics on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 15-year career.
Taking to social media to share the news, the 34-year-old Kerala-born runner penned a heartfelt message reflecting on a journey that began on the muddy tracks of Chakkittapara and reached the grandest stages of world sport.
"From a boy with a dream, the journey started in Kolkata and reached the Asian Games podium in Hangzhou. Thank you, Athletics," Johnson wrote. "Some journeys are measured in meters and seconds. Some are measured in tears, sacrifices, faith, and the people who never let you fall."
A career defined by dominance
Johnson’s legacy is etched in the record books. He first catapulted to national stardom at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he became the first Indian male since the legendary Sriram Singh in 1980 to qualify for the 800m event.
However, it was 2018 that defined his "Golden Year." At the Jakarta Asian Games, Johnson produced a tactical masterclass to clinch the gold medal in the 1500m and a hard-fought silver in the 800m. Earlier that same year, he shattered Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old national record in the 800m, a mark many thought was unbreakable.
The resilience of a champion
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Johnson’s story is his resilience. After a series of setbacks, including a severe Achilles tendon injury and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that ruled him out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, many believed his time at the top was over.
Defying the odds, Johnson staged a stunning comeback at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, securing a bronze medal in the 1500m.
He confirmed today that his race in Hangzhou was officially his final appearance at the international level.
Legacy in numbers
What’s next for the Subedar?
A Subedar in the Indian Army, Johnson’s departure leaves a significant void in India’s middle-distance department.
While his 800m record was recently eclipsed by Mohammed Afsal in 2025, his 1500m mark remains the "gold standard" for young Indian runners to chase.
As he steps away from the track, the man with the Olympic rings tattooed on his arm leaves behind a blueprint for success: a rare blend of tactical intelligence and the "kick" that made him the most feared finisher in Asia.