Manjit became the first Indian man in 36 years to win a gold medal in the 800m race at the Asian Games.
India accomplished a rare one-two finish on Tuesday as Manjit Singh and Jinson Johnson won gold and silver in the men's 800m event at the ongoing Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta-Palembang.
Manjit claimed the top position by recording his personal best timing of 1:46.15sec. The unheralded runner has become the toast of the nation, with admirers from far and wide congratulating him for his achievement.
Here's all you need to know about Manjit Singh:
1. Finish line in sight
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Manjit belongs from Jind, Haryana, and doesn't even have a national gold to his credit. He chose the perfect stage to steal the spotlight.
(Image: AFP)
2. Final push
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The ace runner, who turns 29 on Sunday, comes from a family of farmers, and has admitted he doesn't have a job as of today.
(Image: AFP)
3. That winning feeling
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After his triumph on Tuesday, Manjit revealed that he saw videos of his races at national and international events and analysed the mistakes he was making. He said he was deeply motivated to improve himself.
(Image: Reuters)
4. Take a bow!
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Manjit underwent an arduous training schedule ahead of the 2018 Asian Games. He prepared for rigorously in Ooty and Bhutan, even missing the birth of his now five-month-old son Abhir. His wife Kiran Devi has revealed that the champion runner is yet to meet his son.
(Image: AFP)
5. Waving flag
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Manjit’s father Randhir Singh Chahal was an athlete himself, and would consistently participate in discus throw and shot put events in their village of Ujhana. This inspired a young Manjit to start running in the local stadium.
(Image: Reuters)
6. Grateful
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Manjit's first major international event was the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He then appeared in the 2013 Asian Championships in Pune and finished fourth. The first time he tasted success was when he won a silver medal at the Federation Cup in 2014. He then landed a job with ONGC that ran till 2015.
(Image: PTI)
7. Champion duo
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Manjit pipped compatriot Jinson Johnson to the finish line on Wednesday. Johnson, a seasoned runner, managed to secure the silver medal and gave India a photo finish.
(Image: PTI)
8. Taste of success
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Manjit Singh has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian man in 36 years to win a gold medal in the 800m race at the Asian Games.
(Image: PTI)
