Hima Das to be Assam’s first sports ambassador

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has confirmed that Indian athlete Hima Das will be named as the first sports ambassador of the state, reported the ANI.

The announcement came after Sonowal had visited the 18-year-old’s parents in their house at No. 3 Kandulimari village in Dhing, Nagaon.

Sonowal had promised her parents that Hima, who became the first Indian woman to win gold at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, will be rewarded Rs 50 lakh and will be made the sports ambassador of the state.

She will be given a state-level felicitation on her return to Assam, the government had promised earlier. Hima’s “stunning success” has raised the “stature of the people of Assam globally,” the state CM said as quoted by DNA India.

“Hima’s feat inspires Indians and the gold won by her proves that hard work, commitment and sincerity are the cornerstones of success,” he added.

Also Read: From Dhing to Tampere: The world at Hima Das’ feet

A pre-tournament favourite, Hima scripted history as she clocked 51.46 seconds to stand atop the podium. She also became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the track event of any international level competition.

In the process she joined an elite company of athletes who have won a medal at the IAAF World U-20 Championship.

The other medal winners are — Seema Punia (bronze in discus in 2002) and Navjeet Kaur Dhillon (bronze in discus in 2014).

Her achievement from riding her father’s tractor to plough the field, to ruling the track at just 18-years of age has earned her many plaudits. And Sonowal concluded that many young and aspiring athletes from the state will take inspiration from her success.