Sprinter Hima takes cricket to stay fit

The 20-year-old Hima Das popularly known as ‘The Dhing express’ is the first Indian woman to win a gold in the world championships with the national record of 50.79 seconds in 400 metres. She is also the first Indian to win a gold medal in a track event at the world level.

Presently, the star sprinter is not worried over qualifying for the Olympics with the inclusion of cycling and a bit of cricket in her regular training regime. She talks of ‘being positive and happy’, as her motto to enjoy life to the fullest.

With none of the immediate competitions lined up in the near future, Hima is taking easy with neither too low level training nor intense but just medium intensity training looking forward towards pick up in the training. She tells of the existing hot weather that allows her for the morning training session in cycling with bowling in the cricket fields, kept for the spare time in the evenings.

Talking about the prevailing pandemic that has pushed back the Tokyo Olympics by a year with the international season suspended till November 30, Hima understands not to get disturbed as it will only create tension. She prays about the coronavirus quick end and is confident with a lot of time for the Olympics qualification next year.

The Athletic Federation of India has tentatively fixed September 12 for the commencement of the domestic season but with the continuous increase of COVID-19 cases in the country, the decision has surely become uncertain. Also, the sprinter confirms her training keeping in mind the tentative schedule with the AFI decision to be ultimate taking into account the existing circumstances.