I am not surprised at Manjit winning 800m: Jinson

It was disappointing for Jinson Johnson not to win the 800m but the 1500m Asiad champion was far from surprised that compatriot Manjit Singh pipped him for the top prize in his pet 800m event.

"Yes, 800m is my pet event and definitely I would have loved to win gold in it. So, in a way I am disappointed but I am happy that two Indians won gold and silver instead of other countries winning them," Jinson told PTI.

"Moreover, I am not surprised at all that Manjit won the gold as there is no big difference in timing between him and me. In the past few years, in the National Championships, he has been my main competitor. I knew if I can win, he (Manjit) can also win," he added.

Manjit was behind two-three runners at the final bend but ran past Jinson and others in the final stretch to win the gold. Manjit ran a personal best of 1:46.15 while Jinson clocked 1:46.35.

"I felt a bit tight at the final stretch and could not preserve myself for a final burst which Manjit did. But it is all right, I am happy with my silver in the 800m."
Asked if he could have done better and improve upon his personal and national record time which he had clocked in Guwahati Nationals in June, he said: "The conditions were not perfect in Jakarta and I was more of thinking of winning the race than improving my time."
Asked if he would support this initiative, Jinson simply said, "The people of Kerala have suffered a lot due to this terrible flood. I am not being able to go home as I will be taking part in this Continental Cup. I will see what I can do to help the people of my state."