Kochi: Jinson Johnson set to get Arjuna award

KOCHI

: Part-time coach K M Peter had spotted Chinthuttan, as Jinson Johnson is fondly called, at an athletics championship at Vakayadu HSS in December 2006. He had promised Jinson’s mother that her son will bring laurels to Chakkittapara, the non-descript village near Kozhikode, and that’s exactly what is happening now. Accolades are pouring in.

Jinson was recommended for the Arjuna Award, one of the top sporting honours in the country, on Monday. “My friends from the media broke the news to me. I didn’t even know that the Athletics Federation of India had recommended my name. They usually give it to one person per discipline and I was kind of expecting it next year… I will dedicate it to my parents Johnson and Shylaja,” he said.

It had been a great season for Jinson. He won a gold in the men’s 1500m in the recent Asian Games and a silver in the 800m race. His timing of 3 minutes 44.72 seconds in 1500m at Jakarta was better than that of American Mathew Centrowitz’s gold medal timing in 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Earlier in July, he had broken Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old 800m national record set in 1976 Montreal Olympics.

“I'm humbled by the award. It will motivate me to gain more laurels for my country. I hope to do well in 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” Jinson said.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Jinson has trained only with Indian coaches so far. “I do not know about foreign coaches. Keeping 2020 Olympics in mind, I would like to participate in more international meets,” the Army JCO said.

Chief national coach (middle distance) J S Bhatia said he too was expecting the honour next year. “However, he richly deserves it.

Coach all praise for his ward
Chief national coach (middle distance) J S Bhatia said: “He has been one of the best performers in the country for the last couple of seasons. He is one of the most disciplined athletes I have seen. The recognition comes at the right time,” he said.

Olympion Shiny Wilson said winning gold in 1500m and silver in 800m was a rare feat. “He richly deserves the Arjuna award as he is a medal prospect in 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I would like to advise him to concentrate in one of the events. My suggestion will be to concentrate on 1500m as 800m is a technical race,” she said.


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