Hima does not get overawed by anybody, says coach

Hima Das’ superlative performance in 400m in the World under-20 athletics championships in Tampere, Finland, has projected her as an exciting prospect.

Hima Das of India in action during heat 4 of the women's 400m heats on day one of The IAAF World U-20 Championships on Tuesday.

Hima Das’ upwardly mobile performance graph may have left some experts flabbergasted, but the 18-year-old possesses all the ingredients to be a star in the making.

In about 10 months, the wiry daughter of a farmer from a non-descript village of Nagaon district in Assam has recorded a huge leap on the track to be among the best in the country in women’s 200m and 400m.

Her superlative performance in 400m in the World under-20 athletics championships in Tampere, Finland, has projected her as an exciting prospect.

READ: Hima Das storms into 400m final at U-20 Worlds

Hima’s coach Nipon Das, who has been a mentor to the rookie since spotting her in January last year, said her confidence was the key to her success.

“She does not get overawed by anybody and does not care about her opponents. In every race, her goal is to beat the best with better timing,” Nipon told Sportstar .

Hima’s victory run, after beating the experienced Nirmala Sheoran and winning the 400m crown at the National Inter-State Championships in Guwahati last month, confirmed her confidence.

“Monjai (I wanted this),” Hima had revealed after the race.

Nipon pointed out that it was not easy to beat Nirmala, who was six-seven meters ahead in the home stretch.

Nipon had asked his ward to try out 400m as it would provide her a chance to be part of relay teams. Incidentally, Hima, who was returning good times in 200m, was asked to join the national camp as a 400m runner.

“Hima made rapid strides after joining the national camp in November. From doing 55.57 for 400m in the East Zone meet in September, she has come a long way in short time,” said Nipon.