In 2018, a young girl from Dhing, Assam, captured the world’s attention by becoming the Junior World Champion in athletics. Her name was Hima Das, and her remarkable talent on the track earned her comparisons to the legendary Indian athlete, PT Usha. Many in the sporting community believed that she could achieve what Usha couldn’t: Olympic glory.
But fast forward to 2023, and the story takes an unexpected turn. Hima Das, the once-promising athlete, now finds herself in a precarious situation. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has provisionally suspended her for violating attendance guidelines three times. The girl who was once hailed as “PT Usha 2.0” now faces uncertainty and scrutiny.
So, what happened to Hima Das? Where did she disappear? These questions linger in the minds of sports enthusiasts and fans alike. Join us as we unravel the story of Hima Das, a once-rising star whose path has taken an unexpected twist.
From Dhing to unprecedented glory
In the year 2018, Hima Das burst onto the scene, setting the Indian athletics arena ablaze with her electrifying performances. She etched her name in history by storming into the finals of the Women’s 400 meters at the Commonwealth Games. It was a moment of sheer audacity and ambition.
But Hima was just getting started. At the World Under 20 Championships, she achieved the unthinkable. She clinched the gold medal, becoming the first Indian woman to do so at this prestigious event. Her triumph sent shockwaves through the world of sports.
Comparisons began to surface. People likened her to legendary athletes like PT Usha and Neeraj Chopra, who had made their mark in Indian athletics. Hima’s meteoric rise seemed unstoppable. She not only claimed one medal but a stunning three, including a gold in the women’s 4 x 400 meters relay. Her silver in the mixed relay was later upgraded to gold after Bahrain’s Kemi Adekoya was caught in a doping scandal.
Hima Das had become India’s new “poster girl” of athletics. The talk of her potential podium finish at the Tokyo Olympics grew louder with each stride she took. She had created a name for herself, and the entire nation was behind her.
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The accolades poured in from all directions. The Assam government recognized her talent and dedication, offering her the prestigious position of Deputy Superintendent under the integrated sports policy. Hima Das had become a symbol of hope and aspiration, not just for Assam, but for the entire nation.
However, as we fast forward to 2023, Hima’s journey takes an unexpected twist. Her suspension by NADA for violating attendance guidelines has left us wondering what happened to this once-rising star. The road ahead for Hima Das, the girl who set Indian athletics on fire, is now shrouded in uncertainty.
What happened to Hima Das?
What happened to the “Dhing Express,” Hima Das? Why did she disappear so suddenly from the athletics scene? These questions have been on the minds of sports enthusiasts and fans since her recent suspension by NADA.
Various theories and speculations have been circulating, but as of now, the most plausible explanation seems to be a series of injuries and a lack of communication. It’s a stark contrast to the young athlete who was set to showcase her talent at the World Championships in 2019. However, she pulled out at the last minute, and since then, she has been conspicuously absent from the field.
Unlike some of her contemporaries like Dutee Chand, Hima isn’t facing accusations of doping, and she doesn’t have the political connections that Vinesh Phogat enjoys. So, what lies ahead for Hima Das after this provisional suspension?
The maximum punishment for failing to respond to NADA’s notice is a two-year suspension. However, this period can be reduced depending on the athlete’s intent and whether they choose to appeal. It’s a critical juncture in Hima’s career, and the decisions she makes in the coming days could determine her future in athletics.
The need for Consistency
Truth be told, Hima Das’s rise to stardom was nothing short of meteoric. But looking back, one can’t help but wonder if she was handed more fame than she was ready to handle or if she simply wasn’t prepared for the grueling demands of professional athletics.
Winning a medal on the international stage is undoubtedly a monumental achievement, but it should never be a ticket to an entitled attitude. The case of Sushil Kumar comes to mind, a celebrated wrestler who, despite his achievements, faced public backlash for his actions. It’s a stark reminder that success on the field doesn’t entitle anyone to a sense of unwarranted privilege.
This attitude, which can sometimes morph into a “holier than thou” mentality, isn’t welcome in any sport, not even in cricket where superstar status is commonplace. Athletes are admired for their prowess, but humility and dedication should remain their guiding principles.
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Furthermore, not many athletes can match the consistency and unwavering focus exhibited by Neeraj Chopra. He has become the darling of Indian athletics not just for his extraordinary talent, but for his Arjuna-like dedication to his goals. It’s a trait that seems to have eluded Hima Das.
In the world of sports, it’s not just about the initial success; it’s about the journey, the perseverance, and the continuous effort to improve. Neeraj Chopra’s steady rise stands as a testament to this truth. As we ponder Hima Das’s mysterious disappearance from the limelight, we can’t help but wonder if she lacked the sustained dedication required to reach the pinnacle of athletic achievement.
In the end, the story of Hima Das remains an enigma. Was it too much too soon, a sense of entitlement, or a lack of unwavering focus that led to her sudden vanishing act? Only time will unravel the answers to these questions, and her journey, whatever it may hold, serves as a compelling reminder of the complex world of professional sports.
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