Guwahati: "Congratulations to our sensational sprint star Hima Das for winning the 400m gold in the World Under-20 Championship. This is India's first ever track gold in a World Championship. A very proud moment for Assam and India, Hima; now the Olympic podium beckons! #PresidentKovind" reads the tweet from Rastrapati Bhavan.
President Ram Nath Kovind's compliment has been aptly interpreted by the athletics fraternity in Assam. "Yes, the Olympic podium is her goal. We are hopeful of her podium finish in Tokyo. But the government has a role to play in that. The government should deploy a dedicated coach and support staff for her to keep her going at this level," said former Asian Games discus thrower Tayabun Nisha, who also advocated a foreign coach and an athletics academy. Assam Athletics Association (AAA) secretary Pradeep Nunisa gave credit to overseas coach Galina Bukharina for Hima's feat.
She was also endorsed by Arjuna awardee athlete Bhogeswar Barua, who said, "Hima is an example of extraordinary talent. I wish she achieves more epochal feats. The government and other associated agencies should now hold her hand to further enhance her career."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "India is delighted and proud of athlete Hima Das, who won a historic gold in the 400m of World U20 Championships. Congratulations to her! This accomplishment will certainly inspire young athletes in the coming years."
Amitabh Bachchan took to twitter to congratulate Hima, saying, "CONGRATULATIONS... #HimaDas, the first Indian Women to win a GOLD in World Athletic track event EVER! INDIA is proud of you... you have given us reason to hold up our heads HIGH! JAI HIND!!"
Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi and chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal led the state in congratulating the athlete. Congratulatory messages poured in from all corners, setting social media aflutter.
Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said Hima's win was a matter of pride not only for Assam but for the entire country. Gogoi said he would offer Hima Rs 1 lakh from the Usha Kamal Gogoi Trust, a trust set up in memory of his parents.
The AAA and the Assam Olympic Association announced Rs 2 lakh each as a token of appreciation for Hima. AAA president Rakibul Hussain, secretary Nunisa and others will visit Hima's village on Saturday to hand over the cheques to her family.
