Hima Das Biography in English: Explore the inspiring biography of Hima Das in English. Learn about her journey from a small village in Assam to becoming an international athletics sensation. Discover her achievements, personal life, and the remarkable story of the ‘Dhing Express.
Table of Contents
Hima Das Biography in English
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Native Name | হিমা দাস |
| Birth Name | Hima Das |
| Nickname | Dhing Express |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Dhing, Nagaon, Assam, India |
| Height | 167 cm (5 feet 6 inches) |
| Weight | 54 kg (119 pounds) |
| Sport | Track and field |
| Events | 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters |
| Coach | Galina Bukharina |
| Personal Bests | |
|---|---|
| 100 meters | 11.63 seconds (as of 2021) |
| 200 meters | 22.88 seconds (as of 2021) |
| 400 meters | 50.79 seconds (National Record, achieved in 2018) |
| Medal Record representing India | |
|---|---|
| Asian Games | |
| Gold medal (1st place) | 2018 Jakarta – Women’s 4×400 meters relay |
| Silver medal (2nd place) | 2018 Jakarta – Mixed 4×400 meters relay |
| Silver medal (2nd place) | 2018 Jakarta – 400 meters |
| World U20 Championships | |
|---|---|
| Gold medal (1st place) | 2018 Tampere – 400 meters |
Hima Das, also known as the “Dhing Express,” is a prominent Indian sprinter from the state of Assam. She was born on January 9, 2000, and has made significant contributions to Indian athletics. Here are some key highlights of her career and achievements:
- National Record: Hima Das holds the current Indian national record in the 400 meters sprint event with a remarkable timing of 50.79 seconds. She achieved this record-breaking performance at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Gold Medal at IAAF World U20 Championships: Hima Das made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a track event at the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World U20 Championships. She achieved this feat in the 400 meters event in Tampere, Finland, in 2018.
- Role in Assam Police: Hima Das was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Assam Police. This appointment was made under the state’s Integrated Sport Policy, which recognizes and encourages talented athletes by providing them with government jobs to support their sporting careers.
Hima Das’s achievements have not only made her a celebrated athlete in India but have also inspired many young athletes to pursue their dreams in the field of athletics. She continues to be a role model for aspiring athletes and a source of pride for the nation.
Early life
Hima Das’s early life and background provide insight into her journey as a prominent Indian sprinter:
- Birth and Family: Hima Das was born in Kandhulimari village, which is near the town of Dhing in the Indian state of Assam. She comes from a family of farmers, with her parents, Ronjit Das and Jonali Das, being engaged in agriculture. Hima is the youngest of five siblings.
- Education: She completed her early education at Dhing Public High School. During her school years, Hima initially had aspirations of pursuing a career in football. However, she didn’t see many opportunities for herself in women’s football in India.
- Transition to Sprinting: Hima Das’s journey towards becoming a sprinter began when she attended inter-school camps at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), located nearby. She showed exceptional dedication and punctuality, often arriving at the ground even before practice began. Her determination and commitment impressed a physical education teacher at the Vidyalaya, who encouraged her to pursue a career in sprinting.
- Education Continuation: Despite her budding career in athletics, Hima did not neglect her education. She passed her 12th board exams in May 2019, demonstrating her commitment to both academics and sports. Additionally, she is pursuing a B.A. degree at Cotton University in Assam, balancing her higher education with her athletic pursuits.
Hima Das’s inspiring journey from a small village in Assam to becoming a national and international sprinting sensation showcases her dedication, talent, and the support she received from mentors and educators along the way. Her story serves as a source of inspiration for young athletes, especially those facing challenges and limited opportunities in their chosen sports.
Career
Hima Das’s athletic career has been marked by several significant achievements and milestones. Here are some notable highlights from her career up until my last knowledge update in September 2021:
- 2018 Commonwealth Games: In April 2018, Hima Das competed in the 400 meters and the 4×400 meters relay events at the Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia.
- 2018 World U-20 Championships: On July 12, 2018, Hima Das made history by winning the gold medal in the 400 meters final at the World U-20 Championships held in Tampere, Finland. She clocked a time of 51.46 seconds, becoming the first Indian sprinter to win a gold medal at an international track event.
- 2018 Asian Games: At the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, Hima Das qualified for the 400 meters final, setting a new Indian national record with a time of 51.00 seconds in the heats. She later improved the national record to 50.79 seconds in the 400 meters final, winning a silver medal. Additionally, she was part of the women’s 4×400 meters relay team that won gold and the 4×400 meters mixed relay team that secured silver.
- Success in 2019: In 2019, Hima Das continued her impressive form. She won the 200 meters gold at the Poznan Grand Prix in Poland with a time of 23.65 seconds and the 200 meters at the Kladno Meet in the Czech Republic with a time of 23.43 seconds. She also achieved a victory in the 400 meters in Nové Město, Czech Republic, with a time of 52.09 seconds.
- 2019 World Championships: Hima Das was named as a participant in the World Championships scheduled to be held in Doha in October 2019. However, she had to withdraw from the event due to a back problem that had developed after her participation in the Asian Games in the previous year.
- Career Transition: On February 27, 2021, Hima Das transitioned to a career in the civil services. She enrolled as a civil servant in the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Assam Police Service cadre through the Assam Public Service Commission Direct Entry.
Hima Das’s journey from a small village in Assam to international athletic success and later to a career in civil services has been inspiring and exemplifies her dedication and determination. Her achievements in athletics have made her a national icon and a source of pride for India.
Awards and accolades
Hima Das has received several accolades and honors for her outstanding contributions to Indian athletics and her achievements in the field. Here are some additional notable points about her:
- Arjuna Award: Hima Das was conferred with the Arjuna Award by the President of India on September 25, 2018. The Arjuna Award is one of the highest honors for athletes in India and is awarded for excellence in sports.
- Appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati: Hima Das made an appearance on the popular Indian TV reality show “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” hosted by actor Amitabh Bachchan, on November 1, 2019. Her participation on the show likely served to inspire and connect with a wider audience.
- Civil Service Appointment: As mentioned earlier, in February 2021, Hima Das transitioned to a career in the civil services and was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Assam Police Service cadre through direct entry mode by the Assam Public Service Commission. This marked a significant milestone in her post-athletic career.
- Historical Achievement: Hima Das’s gold medal at the World U-20 Championships in 2018 made her the second athlete from Assam, after Bhogeswar Baruah, to win a gold medal at an international sporting event. This achievement added to her legacy and helped raise the profile of athletics in the region.
Hima Das’s journey is a testament to her incredible talent, dedication, and determination, and she continues to be an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals across India. Her achievements have not only brought her personal recognition but have also helped promote athletics and sports in the country.
