Assam’s Hima Das created history by winning the gold medal in the women's 400-metre event at the IAAF World U-20 Championships held at Tampere, Finland, on Thursday.
Hima clocked 51.46 seconds in the final at the Ratina Stadium to become the first Indian athlete to win gold in a world championship across all age groups.
Hima had fared well in the earlier rounds, too, winning Heat 4 with a time of 52.25 seconds. She emerged on top in the semi-finals as well, winning her race in 52.10 seconds.
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri, Hima’s historic achievement garnered praise from all quarters.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2018
Hima Das the nation is so proud of you. My congratulations to you for your Under20 win in Finland. Your historic achievement of winning India's first ever track athletics world title will inspire girls to believe that nothing is impossible
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 13, 2018
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
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 12, 2018
“The biggest positive to come out of what Hima Das has achieved isn't the medal, it's the hope that India can. Take a bow, champion!” wrote Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri.
The biggest positive to come out of what Hima Das has achieved isn't the medal, it's the hope that India can. Take a bow, champion!
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) July 13, 2018
You have done an incredibly inspiring job by becoming the first Indian track athlete to win a gold medal at a World event Hima Das. We are so proud & happy. Your Gold at women's 400 m World Under-20 Championships is a priceless jewel. Keep it up! pic.twitter.com/rfnHnUeD2h
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 12, 2018
T 2865 - 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 !! pic.twitter.com/Q0YVCx6FSf
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 12, 2018
#HimaDas
— Shubham Doneria (@Shubhamdoneria) July 13, 2018
Congratulation on winning the first ever track gold in a World Championship!
What a feat. #India is proud of you! #WomenRising pic.twitter.com/29u1ubsRBb
“India’s never won a medal at the track events”, screams the commentator
— Ankur Bhardwaj (@Bhayankur) July 13, 2018
“But Das has done it here..” he adds
What an achievement Hima Das! Gold medal! pic.twitter.com/jmXEWQ8SgD
‘95% of Indian men (including me) can't match that speed. A brilliant message for all those who think/ say that women are physically weaker sex,” wrote one Twitter user.
Hima Das created history, became the FIRST EVER Indian to win a gold at a World level track event. She clocked 51.46 sec for 400m.
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) July 13, 2018
95% of Indian men (including me) can't match that speed. A brilliant message for all those who think/ say that women are physically weaker sex.
HISTORIC!! Hima Das, from Dhing village in Assam storms to victory in the women's 400m at World U-20 Championships. Clocks a time of 51.47 seconds and becomes the first Indian track athlete to win a medal at any global event. pic.twitter.com/GDjZ6rCMJ0
— jonathan selvaraj (@jon_selvaraj) July 12, 2018
Congratulations #HimaDas for this stupendous feat. Winning the title track for 400mts in world under 20 Championship. The first Indian athlete to win a title in any track event. Huge day 4 Indian athletics.
— Ram Mohan Naidu K (@RamMNK) July 13, 2018
400mts in 51.4 seconds is no joke and you did it with a smile. #girlpower pic.twitter.com/iudVlWgyYl
I’m very proud to hold the Indian flag on my shoulders, I’d like to thank India and my team leader and my coach. My biggest strength is the last 100m. Next for me will be the Asian Games but my big dream is to compete in the Olympics one day,” she told IAAF.
You can watch Hima zooming to the finish line here:
With IANS inputs