Life & Legacy
Early Life
Hima Das was born on 9 January 2000 in Kandhulimari village near Dhing in the Nagaon district of Assam. She was born into a farming family, with her father Ranjit Das and mother Jonali Das supporting the family through agriculture. Growing up in rural Assam, Hima spent much of her childhood playing football in open fields with local children. Her natural speed and athletic ability were evident from an early age, although she had never imagined becoming an international sprinter.
Education
Hima completed her schooling in Assam while actively participating in sports. During her school years, her exceptional speed caught the attention of coaches, who encouraged her to switch from football to athletics. She later trained under renowned athletics coach Nipon Das at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati, where her raw talent was developed into world-class sprinting ability. Alongside her sporting career, she also continued her higher education in Assam.
Athletics Career
Hima Das made rapid progress after beginning professional athletics training. She represented India at several junior competitions before gaining worldwide recognition in 2018. At the IAAF World U20 Championships held in Tampere, Finland, she won the women's 400 metres gold medal with a timing of 51.46 seconds. This historic victory placed Indian athletics on the global map and established Hima as one of the country's brightest sporting stars.
Later that year, Hima delivered another outstanding performance at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. She won a silver medal in the women's 400 metres while setting the Indian national record of 50.79 seconds. She also played a key role in India's women's 4×400 metres relay and mixed 4×400 metres relay teams, both of which secured gold medals.
In 2019, Hima continued her impressive form by winning five gold medals within a few weeks at international athletics meets held in Poland and the Czech Republic. These victories demonstrated her consistency and strengthened her reputation as one of India's finest sprinters in both the 200 metres and 400 metres events.
Although injuries interrupted parts of her career and she later served a suspension under anti-doping regulations before returning to competition, Hima has remained committed to athletics and continues to work towards representing India at the highest level.
Major Achievements
- First Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the World U20 Athletics Championships (2018).
- Gold medal in the women's 400 metres at the World U20 Championships.
- Silver medal in the women's 400 metres at the 2018 Asian Games.
- Gold medal in the women's 4×400 metres relay at the 2018 Asian Games.
- Gold medal in the mixed 4×400 metres relay at the 2018 Asian Games.
- Holds the Indian national record in the women's 400 metres with a timing of 50.79 seconds.
- Won five international gold medals during the European athletics circuit in 2019.
- Represented India at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Championships, and numerous international competitions.
Awards and Recognition
Hima Das has received several prestigious honours for her contribution to Indian athletics.
- Arjuna Award (2018)
- UNICEF India Youth Ambassador
- Assam Sports Brand Ambassador
- Assam Sourav Award
- Appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Assam Police under the sports quota
- Recognised nationally as one of India's leading women athletes
Personal Life and Legacy
Hima Das is admired not only for her sporting success but also for her simplicity, discipline, and perseverance. Coming from a small farming family, she proved that talent combined with determination can overcome financial and social challenges. Her journey has inspired thousands of young athletes, particularly girls from rural India and the North East, to pursue sports professionally.
Today, Hima Das remains one of Assam's greatest sporting icons. Her achievements have brought international recognition to the state and continue to motivate future generations to dream big and work hard.
FAQs about Hima Das
1. Who is Hima Das?
Hima Das is an Indian sprinter from Assam who became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the World U20 Athletics Championships in 2018.
2. Why is Hima Das called the Dhing Express?
She is known as the "Dhing Express" because she hails from Dhing in Assam and is famous for her exceptional speed on the athletics track.
3. When and where was Hima Das born?
Hima Das was born on 9 January 2000 in Kandhulimari village near Dhing in the Nagaon district of Assam, India.
4. What is Hima Das's biggest achievement?
Her greatest achievement is winning the gold medal in the women's 400 metres at the 2018 World U20 Athletics Championships, becoming the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat.
5. What national record does Hima Das hold?
Hima Das holds the Indian national record in the women's 400 metres with a timing of 50.79 seconds, set during the 2018 Asian Games.
6. Which medals did Hima Das win at the 2018 Asian Games?
She won one silver medal in the women's 400 metres and two gold medals in the women's 4×400 metres relay and mixed 4×400 metres relay events.
7. What awards has Hima Das received?
She has received the Arjuna Award, Assam Sourav Award, recognition as a UNICEF India Youth Ambassador, and was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Assam Police.
8. What sport does Hima Das compete in?
Hima Das competes in sprint events, mainly the 200 metres, 400 metres, and 4×400 metres relay races.
9. Has Hima Das written any books?
No. As of now, Hima Das has not published or authored any books.
10. Why is Hima Das considered an inspiration?
Hima Das inspires millions because she rose from a small farming family in rural Assam to become an international athletics champion through determination, discipline, and hard work.
