Last Updated: 25th December, 2022
Hima Das created history by becoming the first Indian woman athlete ever to win a gold in an exceedingly track event at any IAAF World Athletics Championships. On Thursday she set the seal on the gold medal in the women’s 400m final race in World Under-20 Athletics Championships at city, Finland. The 18-year-old clocked 51.46s to finish at the top of the arena.
IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships: Hima Das created history as she bagged India’s first gold medal in the track event. She won the 400m gold clocking 51.46 seconds.
That she is the first Indian athlete to bag a gold medal in a track event at the World Athletics Championships. Also, she is the 1st Indian woman to ever win a gold medal in World Championship in athletics at any level.
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 Das; now the Olympic podium beckons! #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 12, 2018
While everyone seems to be tweeting concerning her achievements, a number of Bollywood stars too joined in, congratulating Hina. However, one among them stands out, and it comes from none other than Farhan Akhtar, the very one who played the role of Milkha Singh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Congratulations #HimaDas.. 400 meter winner in world Under-20 championships.. proud moment.
It’s amazing that it coincides with the 5 year anniversary of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag & Milkha-ji’s biggest dream was to witness an Indian athlete win Gold in track & field. ???????
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) July 12, 2018
Das were trailing behind Romania’s Andrea Miklos at the ultimate curve. However, with a surprising burst within the last 50m, she finished the line sooner than her rivals. Miklos took the silver with a time of 52.07 seconds, whereas Taylor Manson of USA finished third with a time of 52.28 seconds.
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
“I am very happy to win the gold in the World Junior Championships. I want to thank all the Indians back home and conjointly those, who were here cheering me. It was very encouraging to have this kind of support,” she exulted afterward winning the race.
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
Das hails from Dhing village in Assam’s Nagaon district. She is currently second Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a very track and field event. The 1st one being javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. The javelin thrower had won the gold medal in Poland in the last edition in 2016.
Historic! Congratulations Hima Das for winning India's first Gold at a global track event in Under – 20 World Athletics. Nicely done ??
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 12, 2018
Earlier, Das had clocked 51.32 seconds, an Indian U-20 record, to complete sixth in Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 400m final. She then bettered her own record with a time of 51.13 seconds throughout National Interstate Championships held in Guwahati.
“Very proud of Hima Das for making history. It’s one of the proudest moments of my life and in Indian athletics. Congratulations to Hima Das and her coaches, the government and SAI for their support to AFI,” Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla told news organization PTI.
Wow! So proud of you Hima Das. Incredible, historic achievement on becoming the first Indian track athlete to win a medal at any global event winning Gold at women's 400m World U-20 Championships clocking a time of 51.47 seconds. Thank you for the happiness. pic.twitter.com/Cs5wY8sDuM
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 12, 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted regarding his pride to have Hima winning the race. He also added that her accomplishment will be an inspiration to several. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Virender Sehwag, Sunil Chhetri, and Mamata Banerjee, lauded her efforts.
