Ace Assam sprinter Hima Das made a scintillating comeback to the sprint tracks, winning the gold in the women’s 400 metres event in the Federation Cup at Patiala today (March 18).
Hima, fondly called ‘Assam Express’ or ‘Dhing Express’, clocked 52.88 seconds to claim the top spot in the race while MR Poovamma of Karnataka bagged the silver with a timing of 53.15 seconds.
Saritaben Gayakwad of Gujarat came third clocking 53.28 seconds.
Hima, who had taken a break from training for a month to appear in her Higher Secondary Final examinations, however fell way short of her national record of 50.79.
“I took a break from rigorous training at the national camp due to my exams. I trained (in Guwahati) in between the exams but I know I did not do proper work out and warm up during the break and so I was not at my best,” news agency PTI quoted Hima as saying after the end of the race.
“But I am free now and will be in the national camp. I hope to keep improving my timing,” Hima further told PTI.
