Hima Das’ World Relays Chances in Doubt Due to Spondylitis

20-year-old Hima Das was the first-ever Indian woman to win an athletics gold on the international stage.

(Photo: AP)

Indian sprinter Hima Das, the world Under-20 champion in the 400 metre discipline, has been diagnosed with spondylitis of the lumbar vertebrae, the lower back, prompting the 20-year-old will have to go through a period of rest and rehabilitation, The Indian Express reported.

This puts Hima’s chances to take part in the world relays this week at risk. 

If Hima Das is not able to make it to the world relays, it would be the second successive competition in which she would have not completed a race, after she pulled out of the Asian Athletics Championship last month in Doha due to a back spasm. She was to take part in the women's 4x400 metre relay at the Asian Championship.

The Indian Express report quoted Radhakrishnan Nair, the deputy chief national coach as saying that she will need rest and rehabilitation as part of her recovery.

“Her progress is being monitored carefully.”

Radhakrishnan Nair, Deputy National Coach

Hima, according to The Indian Express report, will most likely travel with the 400 metre batch of athletes to Poland for an overseas camp, where she will continue with her rehabilitation. There is no confirmation if Hima would be fit enough to participate in the World Relays.

(With inputs from The Indian Express.)