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Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: The Assam Athletics Association today came forward to the rescue of sprint queen Hima Das who is facing criticism from different quarters because of her ‘Poor timing in individual events’. Many felt Hima’s timings in her recent outings were below par in the international order.
Many sports lovers took to social media to express their unhappiness and most of them doubt that Hima would not be able to qualify for the next Olympics which is scheduled to be held in Tokyo in 2020.
Taking Hima’s side president of the Assam Athletics Association Lakhya Konwar today said, “We are expecting too much from the sprinter and that too in a very early stage of her career. A sprinter needs 5-7 years to get ready for the Olympics. Don’t forget, Hima is just 19-years-old and she needs some time. But we are not ready to wait, which is very unfortunate. There is enough time left for Hima to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and we should give her support”
Hima, who failed to qualify in the individual event for the World Athletics Championship, scheduled to be held in Doha from September 27, has been included in the 4X400 mts women and mixed relay team for the same championship.”
The decision also irked many as they felt the sprinter should concentrate more on individual events. When the question was raised, Konwar said, “Look, the coach is the sole authority to decide which athlete should be chosen for which event in international meets. We have no hand in it. The mixed relay team of India this year has a good chance to win a medal and perhaps it was this reason that Hima was included in the relay team.” Meanwhile, an 80-member State team left today for Ranchi to participate in the 31st East Zone Athletic championship. The two-day competition will begin on September 14.
Also Read: Sprinter Hima Das in World Championship Team