Assam athlete Hima Das is one of the bright prospects of team India at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia. The girl from Dhing in Nagaon district has already proved her worth at various national level competitions in India.
“I’m undergoing practice. Though there have been some interruptions due to rain, otherwise it’s been great so far. The atmosphere is wonderful,” Hima told The New Mill at the games village in Australia.
At the school nationals in February, Hima won a bronze in the 100m and silver in the 200m. This helped her qualify for the Youth (U-18) nationals in Hyderabad. Here also she won a bronze and a silver medal.
After that, in the Federation Cup in Patiala, Hima stunned many by winning the 400 metres, clocking 51.97 seconds.
Hima is being accompanied by two players from Assam in the Indian contingent. Pugilist Lovelina Borgohain and Nayanmoni Saikia in lawn bowl.
“I have met them all at the games village here. It’s a wonderful feeling to have them here. It’s a proud moment for my state to have three players. This is happening for the first time in many years,” Hima added.
Speaking about the main event competition, Hima said that she is not much worried for her performance. She, however, sought blessings from the people of the state.
“I’m just focusing on my training at the moment without worrying about the future. But I will need the blessings of the people back home. Not just me, but for the others. I also want to give back something during the Bihu as a gift to my people,” she added.
(Prarthana Hazarika is in Australia for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games under the WIN programme by Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She also writes for The News Mill)
