Manjit Singh upstaged pre-race favourite compatriot Jinson Johnson to win gold in men's 800m in a 1-2 finish for India in the event here today. The 28-year-old Manjit ran his personal best time of 1 minute and 46.15 seconds to win his maiden major international medal.

Johnson, who smashed legendary Sriram Singh's 42-year-old 800m national record in June during the National Inter-State Athletics Championships, finished second in 1:46.35. He holds the national record of 1:45.65.

Abdalla Abubaker of Qatar was third in 1:46.38.

India now have 59 medals in the Asiad with 9 golds, 18 silvers and 22 bronze. While athletics have also given India eight silver medals.

This is the third time when India have won two medals in the men's 800m race at the Asian Games.

In 1951, Ranjit Singh had won gold while Kulwant Singh won silver. In 1962, Daljit Singh won a silver medal and Amrit Pal finished with a bronze. Overall, this was India's sixth gold medal in the men's 800m race.