Day 8 of Asian Games: Eyes of nation on Hima, Dutee

Guwahati (Assam), Aug 26, 2018:

The eyes of the nation will be on Assam’s new sensation Hima Das when she takes part in the Women’s 400-metre final at the 2018 Asian Games on Sunday. The race is scheduled at 5:30 pm.

The 18-year-old Hima had clocked career best 51 seconds in the semifinal to finish behind Salwa Naser of Bahrain who registered 50.86 seconds to create a new Games record. Hima’s 51 seconds was the overall second position in the qualification round. The battle will surely be between the two ace sprinters.

The rise of Hima, hailing from a non-descriptive village in Dhing area of Nagaon district and competing in the Asian Games for the first time, has been meteoric. It has been just a year-and-a-half that she took athletics very seriously.

Meanwhile, popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg was among her well-wishers air-dashing to Indonesia to cheer for Hima. Special prayers were held across places including her Kandhulimari village. People prayed for her success in the gala event.

The eyes of the Indians will also be on Dutee Chand who will feature in Women’s 100-metre final. The race is scheduled at 5 pm.