National-Record holder Jinson Johnson announces retirement

Indian middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson on Wednesday announced his retirement from competitive athletics through a social media post.

“As I step away from competitive athletics, I do so with humility, gratitude, and peace. The track taught me discipline, resilience, and respect. Though I retire from racing, athletics will always live in my heart,” wrote Jinson, who currently holds the National Record in men’s 1500m.

The 34-year-old is a three-time Asian Games medallist – gold (1500m) in 2018, silver (800m) in 2018 and bronze (1500m) in 2023.

He represented India in the 2016 Olympics, making him the first Indian man to take part in the 800m race in 36 years, after Sriram in 1980.

In 2018, Jinson had broken Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old National Record in men’s 800m by clocking 1:45.65. His mark was later eclipsed by Mohammed Afsal in 2025.

Jinson Johnson (right) in action during the final of the men’s 1500m athletics event during the 2018 Asian Games.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

The Kerala-born athlete set the current 1500m record (3:35.24) in 2019 at the ISTAF Berlin meet. He is still the only Indian to go under 3:36 in the event.

Jinson has also won two medals in the 800m event at the Asian Athletics Championships – a silver in 2015 and a bronze in 2017.

Published on Jan 07, 2026