Thought I will get Arjuna in 2019, says Hima

Vinayak Padmadeo

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, september 18

Hima Das lit up the track during the 2018 Asian Games. A gold medal in the 4x400m women’s relay was followed by silver medals in the mixed 4x400m relay and 400m. These medals, along with her junior World Championships gold, ensured that the 18-year-old will get the prestigious Arjuna Award next week. In an interview, Hima talks about her achievements and what it would take to bridge the gap between her and Bahrain’s 400m gold winner Salwa Naser. Excerpts:

You have been recommended for the Arjuna Award. How do you feel as you are set to become one of the youngest to get this award?

I did not expect that I would be recommended for the award this year. I thought I would get this award in 2019. My brother told me about this recommendation yesterday. It is a big honour for me.

How was your experience at the Asian Games?

Honestly, we were expecting to win medals in both the mixed relay and the women’s 4x400 relay. Personally I went there knowing that I would improve my individual timings. Overall, the Asian Games was a very good experience for me as I got to compete against quality runners.

Salwa Naser beat you in the individual 400m race. How soon can you get to her level?

It will take a lot of hard work. In athletics, it takes a lot to improve timings. We know that one microsecond’s improvement in timings may take a while so for me to get to her standards will take some time.

A lot has changed for you personally since you ran your first individual race in Patiala. From an unknown girl you are a superstar now. Fans want to click pictures with you. How do you feel?

It feels good as our performances make our fans happy. Many of them feel proud to be Indian because of us. If the fans want to wish me, or want to hug me or get clicked with me I’ll happily do it as I feel I am here because of their good wishes and prayers. I went to Assam after the Games and many of them came to greet me from far-off places. It is important to respect their wishes.

You had your personal cheer squad in Jakarta. How did it happen?

It consisted of my coach (Nipon Das), and a few people from Dhing, Assam, were also there. There were a few from Assam, who were working in Jakarta, who came out to cheer. It feels good to be backed by your own people at an important event.