Asian Games triple medallist Hima Das returned to Assam on Friday to a rousing reception.
Escorted out by 25 Assam Police special women commandos ‘Birangona’, Hima walked on a specially laid out red carpet at the airport designed like a running track with number markings.
Hima was received at the airport by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and many of his cabinet colleagues with a traditional Assamese 'gamosa' (scarf of honour) around her neck.
Her farmer parents Ronjit and Jonali Das were also present at the airport.
To the beats of drum and Bihu dances, the sprinter, wearing a red track suit jacket with blue jeans, was taken in a white luxury car. The vehicle with Hima standing through its sun roof was part of procession of cars.
The cavalcade had to stop several times as the people and various socio-cultural organisations wanted to felicitate Hima.
On arriving at the Sarusajai Stadium, Hima kissed the track.
"I trained here and I always thought that it is from this track that I will go forward. I thank all for making me achieve what I have done so far. I will continue to go forward," she said.
People from Dhing have come all the way here. Because of their love for me, they walked the route from the airport even under the scorching sun while I was inside the car.Hima Das
It has been a great year for Hima Das on the track. Her rich haul of medals at Asian Games comes after she became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the 2018 IAAF World U-20 Championships.
Meanwhile in Indonesia, she stayed true to her billing. Not only did she win three medals, which include two silvers and a gold, she set a national record when she clocked 51.00 to qualify for the 400 metre final, where she again bettered the record to second with a timing of 50.79. Hima’s second silver came in the mixed team 4x400m relay event while she clinched a gold in the women’s 4x400m relay event.
(With inputs from PTI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)