She runs like a dream, glimmering with grace and fortitude. Hima Das, an embodiment of resplendence, has etched her name in the annals of Indian athletics, scripting history with every stride she takes. In this captivating blog post, we embark on a remarkable voyage delving into her extraordinary expedition—from the modest town of Dhing in Assam to the grandeur of the global sports stage. We shall traverse through her inspiring biography, explore her age, revel in her awe-inspiring achievements, bask in the glory of her awards, and more.
Hima Das Biography:
Born on 9th January 2000 in Dhing, a small town nestled in the heart of Assam, Hima Das emerged as the youngest amongst her five siblings in the humble household of Ranjit and Jomali Das, who toiled as farmers. Her childhood brimmed with challenges as she ardently pursued her sporting passion. Lacking proper training facilities and equipment, she fearlessly dashed barefoot across muddy fields. Amidst her practice sessions, Hima had to strike a delicate balance between her studies and domestic chores.
The seeds of Hima’s sporting journey were sown by her father, a former football player in his own youth. Initially drawn towards football, she played alongside boys from a tender age, nurturing dreams of becoming a professional footballer. However, destiny unfurled a different path when she was serendipitously discovered by a local coach, Nipon Das. Recognizing her immense potential, Coach Nipon urged her to focus on sprinting. Thus, under the wings of the Nagaon Sports Association, Hima received rudimentary training and invaluable guidance.
Hima Das Ascendancy to Glory:Â
Hima Das etched her mark in numerous state and national level competitions, ensnaring several medals across various events. Her remarkable prowess caught the discerning eyes of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), which beckoned her to the Indian camp in 2017. Qualifying for the World Youth Championships in Nairobi, she exhibited her mettle by finishing fifth in the electrifying 200m final.
Hima Das Age:Â
Currently aged 23, Hima Das stands poised at the cusp of her vibrant prime. She will celebrate her 24th birthday on 9th January 2024, casting an enchanting aura of youthfulness upon her inspiring exploits.
Hima Das Achivements:
In her relatively brief yet illustrious career, Hima Das has scaled numerous milestones, leaving an indelible imprint on the canvas of Indian athletics. Let us revel in some of her extraordinary achievements:
Triumph at the World Junior Athletics Championships: In 2018, Hima seized the gold medal in the 400m event at the World Junior Athletics Championships held in Tampere, Finland. Displaying unparalleled prowess, she blazed across the track, clocking a remarkable 51.46 seconds. Not only did she set a new national record but also became the first Indian woman to clinch a gold medal in a track event at any global meet.
Hima Das Conquering Europe:
July 2019 witnessed Hima Das’s magnificent conquest of the European athletics circuit. She gloriously secured three gold medals in the 200m event at the Poznan Athletics Grand Prix, the Kutno Athletics Meet, and the Kladno Athletics Meet in Poland and Czech Republic, respectively. With each lightning-fast sprint, she etched her dominance, clocking 23.65 seconds, 23.97 seconds, and 23.43 seconds, mesmerizing the world with her sheer brilliance.
Adding further accolades to her illustrious journey, Hima clinched two gold medals in the 400m event at the Tabor Athletics Meet and the Nove Mesto nad Metuji Grand Prix, held in Czech Republic in July 2019. Displaying unwavering resolve, she surged forward, crossing the finish line in 52.09 seconds and 52.22 seconds, respectively.
Hima Das Asian Games Glory:
Hima Das dazzled at the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, capturing the essence of victory in her resplendent strides. She clinched four gold medals, gilding her nation’s name with pride. Her gold medals adorned the women’s 4x400m relay, the mixed 4x400m relay, and two individual events—women’s 400m and women’s 200m. In addition, she secured a silver medal in the mixed 4x400m relay, etching her name amongst the pantheon of Asian sporting excellence.
Hima Das Asian Athletics Championships:
At the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships held in Doha, Qatar, Hima Das exhibited her indomitable spirit once again. She snatched two silver medals in the women’s 400m and the mixed 4x400m relay, further enhancing her reputation as a stalwart in the realm of athletics.
Hima Das Awards:
The luminous trail of Hima Das’s accomplishments has earned her a trove of prestigious awards, celebrating her extraordinary performances and contributions to Indian sports. A few of the notable accolades bestowed upon her include:
Arjuna Award:
In 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind conferred upon Hima Das the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honor. The accolade served as a testament to her unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award:
In the year 2020, President Ram Nath Kovind felicitated Hima Das with the esteemed Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. This distinguished recognition represents the zenith of sporting excellence in India.
Padma Shri:
In 2020, President Ram Nath Kovind bestowed the Padma Shri upon Hima Das, an esteemed civilian honor that adorned her illustrious journey with yet another glittering gem.
Vogue Sportsperson of The Year:
Recognizing her exceptional accomplishments, Hima Das received the Vogue Sportsperson of The Year Award from Vogue India magazine in 2018, further solidifying her status as a beacon of inspiration.
Pragyan Bharati Award:
The Assam government bestowed the prestigious Pragyan Bharati Award upon Hima Das in 2020, paying homage to her remarkable achievements and contributions.
In the radiant realm of Indian athletics, Hima Das shines as a paragon of grit, determination, and unbridled talent. She has surmounted countless obstacles and challenges, emerging triumphant in her pursuit of dreams while bringing unparalleled glory to her nation. Hima serves as an everlasting inspiration to countless young girls and boys, igniting within them the fire to excel not just in sports but also in life. With each resplendent stride, she encapsulates the essence of a true golden girl, leaving an indelible legacy upon the tapestry of Indian athletics.
