I played to stand on my own: Hima Das

Guwahati, September 8

Assam’s new sprint queen Hima Das said she took to athletics to stand on her own.

“Initially, I played to stand on my own. I never thought that I would represent India at a global event. For a sportsperson to excel in life, he or she needs coaches. You also have to work hard to achieve your goal,” Hima told reporters at a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday.

She said she would keep focusing on the 400-mtr individual race for one is not dependent on anyone. “I like the 400-mtr relay as well. Had I not been in the relay team, I would not have bagged the gold (in Jakarta Asian Games). I will give more importance to 400-mtr. My last timing was 50.79 seconds. I will now work on bringing it down to 50.78 seconds or less than that,” she said.

The speedster also said that she was inspired to see so many people from Assam, including singer Zubeen Garg and a representative of Assam government, in Jakarta who went to cheer for her. She said their presence and shouts of “Hima, Hima” were a plus point for her. She said she would look forward to the support of people and the media in Assam.

On her preparation for the Olympics, the “Dhing Express” said: “Two years to go for Olympics. I am trying to better my timing”.

She expressed appreciation to Assam government for all its support to her and its sports policy. She said she was feeling good after the state government had on Friday appointed her as the brand ambassador of Assam sports.

“I support the Assam government’s sports policy. I am sure many players will emerge,” she said.

Asked about inspiration in her life, she said, “My first inspiration was my father. At the international level, it was the god of cricket Sachin Tendulkar and footballer Lionel Messi”.