Why sprinter Hima Das owes it to coach Nipon

Hima Das with coach Nipon Das

Nipon Das had no concerns when his ward Hima Das started slowly off the blocks in the 400m final at the IAAF U-20 World Championships in Tampere, Finland on Thursday night. He knew that she was spot-on in her strategy. Hima ultimately blazed in the final 100 metres for India's first ever gold in an international track event.

Perfect strategy
"Hima's race begins in the final 80m. It's amazing and almost surprising to watch her excelling within such a short time towards the end. It's only two years since she first wore spikes," said Nipon, Hima's first coach, who has acted a mentor to the novice since spotting her in January last year.

Hima who initially was running in the 200m events, was asked to try the 400m too last year by Nipon. "I did so because she can also be part of relays. She has not only excelled in it but has beaten some of the world's best athletes too," he added.

Interestingly, Hima began her sporting journey by playing football in school. Kicking around with boys in her village strengthened her legs. Hima was spotted by Nipon, an athletics coach with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare, during an inter-district meet. "She was wearing cheap spikes but she won gold in the 100 and 200m. I immediately realised that she can do wonders if given proper guidance and equipment," Nipon says.

Parents needed convincing
Nipon says it took a lot of effort to convince her parents, father Ranjit a farmer and mum Jonali to send her to Guwahati, some 130 km from her village, to work on her skills in athletics. "The most important trait I find in Hima is that she is very focused.

"She is stubborn in many ways and very determined. She says she just wants to improve her timing every time she runs. She does not get intimidated and does not care about her opponents," he added.

Hima to get govt funding till Tokyo Olympics
Indian athletics' newest sensation Hima Das will be provided "end-to-end" support towards her preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics under the government's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

"Under the scheme, in addition to the R50,000 per month as Out of Pocket Allowance, she would be provided end to end support towards her Olympic preparation by the Govt under the scheme," said Sports India (erstwhile SAI) DG Neelam Kapur.

Also Read:Hima Das's family recalls thrilling moments as she won historic gold at World U20 Athletics meet