In a remarkable tale of grit and reinvention, Hima Das, the sprint sensation from Assam, has etched her name in Indian athletics history. Once a promising footballer in her village, she swapped cleats for spikes and never looked back. Her journey from rural fields to global podiums inspires millions.
Born in 2000 in Kandhulimari village, Hima grew up kicking footballs with boys, dreaming of becoming a professional player. But fate had other plans. Discovered by coach Nipon Das during a local sports meet, she was nudged towards athletics. ‘I never imagined running could be my destiny,’ she later recalled in interviews.
Her breakthrough came at the 2018 Asian Junior Athletics Championships, where she clinched gold in the 400m. But it was the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta that catapulted her to fame. Hima became the first Indian woman to win a silver in the 400m, clocking an impressive 50.79 seconds. The crowd roared as she crossed the finish line, tears streaming down her face.
Not stopping there, Hima shattered records relentlessly. At the Federation Cup in 2019, she set a national record in the 400m with 50.79 seconds – a mark that stood unchallenged. She also holds the Indian record in the 200m, running 23.10 seconds at the Indian Grand Prix. Her versatility shone in relays too, anchoring India to multiple golds.
Challenges defined her path. Injuries plagued her career, including a back issue that sidelined her for months. Yet, Hima bounced back stronger, training under the Sports Authority of India. Off the track, she’s an advocate for rural sports, using her platform to promote athletics in underserved areas.
Today, at 24, Hima eyes Olympic glory in Paris 2024. Her story transcends sport – it’s about chasing dreams, defying odds, and proving that talent knows no boundaries. As India celebrates its daughters in athletics, Hima Das stands tall as a pioneer.