18th Asian Games: India bags gold-silver double in 800 m for men
A resurgent India continued its medal winning spree in athletics with a double - gold and silver - in 800 m for men in the 18th Asian Games on Tuesday. Manjit Singh and Jindon Johnson duo set the track on fire with a close finish to end with gold and silver medals, giving India its first medal in track events.
it was only in the last 200 metres that Manjit Singh in a sudden burst of speed sprinted past his Qatari opponent. Followed closely by his compatriot Jinson Johnson, Manjit breasted the tape ahead of all his opponents to give India its third gold medal in athletics and first in track events. Jinson Johnson who finished just behind Manjit won India's seventh Silver medal in athletics.
While Manjit Singh clocked 1:46.15 minutes, Johnson finished his race in 1:46.35 minutes.
For Narwana born 29-year-old Manjit Singh, it was a dream come true.He had been hoping to win Asian Games gold and ran a very planned race maintaining a steady third-fourth position in the first 500 m and reserved energy for the final 200 m burst. He gradually accelerated pace in last 200 metres to surprise the race leaders. Johonson too sprinted well in last 100 metres to finish a close second.
Earlier, Indian sprint queen Dutee Chand avenged her defeat in 100 m sprint by pipping Odiong Edidiong in 200 m s finals. Dutee clocked 23 seconds to resreve her place in the final tomorrow.
