Guwahati: Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented speedster Hima Das a cheque for Rs 1.6 crore, offered her a job in the sports department and named her the sports brand ambassador of the state for two years at an felicitation ceremony held here on Friday evening for her performance in the IAAF World Under-20 Championships and the Jakarta Asian Games.

Hima was also presented with a gamosa, Seleng sador, japi, xorai, a memento and a framed congratulation letter. She was given Rs 50 lakh each for two gold medals (at IAAF meet and the 4x400m women's relay in Jakarta Asian Games) and Rs 30 lakh each for two silver medals (individual 400m sprint and mixed 4x400m relay at Jakarta Asian Games), totalling Rs 1.60 crore.

As the sports brand ambassador, Hima will receive Rs 30 lakh for the two years of the agreement.

Hima thanked her parents, coaches and all those who have helped her in her career while accepting the felicitations and awards.

"I would like to see 10 athletes from Assam win medals in the next Asian Games. I don't run after medals, I run after timing. I will do my best to win a medal at the Olympics," she said. She also thanked Sonowal for supporting sports in the state.

Sonowal said, "One hundred and twenty-five crore Indians, especially the Assamese people, are proud of Hima. Sportspersons are looked at differently now. Parents and teachers should encourage their wards to opt for sport. We will modernise 500 playgrounds across the state and organise sports tournaments right from the panchayat level. Hima has to undergo disciplined and focused training."

Sonowal lauded Hima for giving "everything" to the people of Assam and urged her to keep an open mind and not be swayed by pressure.

The function, organised by the sports and youth welfare department, was attended by Arjuna Award winner Bhogeswar Baruah, Union minister of state for railways Rajen Gohain, finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, state agriculture minister Atul Bora, industries minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Guwahati MP Bijoya Chakravorty, Athletic Federation of India president Adille J. Sumariwalla, Indian Olympic Association secretary general Rajeev Mehta and other dignitaries. ( See Metro)