Assam News

'Dhing Express' Hima Das Qualifies for Tokyo Olympics 2021

Hima Das is the 1st Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a track event at the IAAF World U20 Championships and holds the current national record in 400 m

Sentinel Digital Desk

GUWAHATI: India's ace sprinter from Assam, Hima Das has qualified for Tokyo Olympics 2021.

However, the formal announcement of the selection of 'Dhing Express' for the Olympic is yet to be made public.

The Olympic is said to be held in Tokyo of Japan from July 23 to August 8.

After her brilliant performance in 2018 that saw her win the 400m silver at the Jakarta Asian Games, a persistent back injury has forced Hima to stay away from running in the 400m in major events. 

She also won a number of gold medals at smaller events in 2019 season and was also invited to compete at the Doha World Championship but a back injury ruled her out of the prestigious championship. However, she has now recovered well.

2018 had turned to be a memorable season for the 20-year-old, who followed her U-20 world title with 400m silver, 4X400 mixed relay gold (upgraded) and women's 4X400m gold at the Jakarta Asian Games.

Hima is already a recipient of Arjuna Award, which she received in 2018.

Earlier in 2020, the Assam government named Hima Das and innovator Uddhab Bharali have been named in a 73-member committee that shall frame and implement an education policy in Assam as per the guidelines of the Centre.

General Secretary of Assam Cricket Association, Devajit Lon Saikia, has also been named as a member of the prestigious panel.

As per a notification on the constitution of the high-level committee, the elements required for our state must be incorporated in a local manner and style, taking into accounts the local and global needs of the country and with a respect for its rich diversity and culture".

As such, a 73-member High-Level Committee that includes Hima Das has been constituted to guide the state education department that comprises of educationalists, educators, and experts from several departments implement the Centre's directives under the new education policy.

Assam's Education Minister also stated that "The committee will submit its report by December 31 and by January we want to prepare the blueprint for implementation in the state".