Nagaon: No. 3 Kandhulimari village of Dhing in central Assam's Nagaon district witnessed unprecedented celebrations on Thursday evening with thousands gathering at India's new sprint sensation Hima Das's residence after she wrapped up her Jakarta Asian Games campaign with a gold medal.
Within minutes of Hima achieving the feat, thousands flocked to her residence, singing and dancing.
As the courtyard filled up, the crowd spilled on to the approach road with everyone celebrating.
"We do not know how to celebrate the occasion. This is something we have never experienced before. This is the biggest moment for the people of Dhing," said Ratul Das, a local resident.
Hima's father Ranjit Das was at a loss for words. "Thank God. He has answered our prayers. My family and I are grateful to Him," the 55-year-old farmer said, trying to hold back tears of joy.
Hima teamed with Poovamma Raju, Saritaben Gayakwad and Vismaya V. Koroth to bag the women's 4x400m relay gold, clocking 3:28.72 minutes - a little over two seconds ahead of the Bahrain quartet that comprised Salwa Naser against whom Hima missed the women's 400m gold.
This was Hima's third major gold after her Commonwealth Games gold at Gold Coast and the World under-20 Championship gold at Tampere in Finland.
Hima wrapped up the campaign with a gold and two silver. She missed a fourth medal after being flashed the red card for false start in women's 200m heats.
Hima has become the second gold medallist from Assam after Bhogeswar Baruah to win a gold in Asian Games. Baruah had won the Bangkok Asian Games men's 800m gold in 1966.
Hima's friend Sobudh Hazarika, who was among those who thronged her home, said, "We knew there is at least one gold medal for Hima in Asian Games. As she won two silvers in her individual events, our expectations remained unfulfilled. Her unwarranted false start in the 200m event frustrated us because of our confidence in her. We hoped for a gold and finally she achieved it."
"Now we are waiting for our golden girl to return home. We will accord her the warmest welcome that the village has ever given to anyone," another villager chipped in before joining the celebrations for Hima's achievement.
