Hima Das, fondly known as the “Dhing Express,” is one of India’s most promising and celebrated sprinters. She is the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a global track event and continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions across India and beyond. Hailing from the rural heartlands of Assam, her rise to international stardom is a tale of grit, perseverance, and sheer willpower.
In this blog, we delve into the incredible journey of Hima Das — her background, career highlights, achievements, and how she has revolutionized Indian athletics.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Birth and Family
Hima Das was born on January 9, 2000, in the village of Kandhulimari, near Dhing town in Assam’s Nagaon district. She is the youngest of five siblings born to Ronjit Das, a rice farmer, and Jonali Das, a homemaker. Growing up in a modest household with limited resources, Hima experienced a rural lifestyle rooted in hard work and community.
Her early childhood was spent helping her family in the paddy fields, often running barefoot along village roads. She never had formal training in athletics during her early years, and yet, her natural athleticism stood out among her peers.
From Football Fields to Athletics Track
Early Sports Interest
Interestingly, Hima’s first love was football. She played with boys from her village and dreamt of becoming a footballer. It wasn’t until her talent for sprinting was noticed by a school teacher and local sports coach Shamsul Haque that she considered athletics seriously.
Seeing her potential, her mentors encouraged her to switch to sprinting — a decision that would change the course of her life. Without any access to professional sports infrastructure, Hima trained under basic conditions, often running on uneven fields and muddy tracks.
Training and Rise to State-Level Recognition
Entry into Competitive Athletics
Hima’s big break came in 2016 when she participated in an inter-district athletics meet. Her outstanding performance caught the attention of Nipon Das, an athletics coach from Guwahati, who immediately took her under his wing. Recognizing her raw talent, he convinced her family to allow her to train at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Guwahati.
From there, she began intensive training under experienced coaches and was later sent to the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala for advanced training.
In just a year, Hima went from being a village athlete to competing at national-level events — an impressive transformation fueled by discipline and determination.
National and International Career Milestones
National Recognition
Hima first gained national attention at the 2017 National Junior Athletics Championships, where she dominated the 200m and 400m events. Her explosive speed, agility, and competitive spirit quickly made her a name to watch in Indian athletics.
World U20 Championships 2018 – A Historic Win
The turning point of her career came on July 12, 2018, when she made history at the IAAF World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland. Hima won the gold medal in the 400m final, clocking 51.46 seconds, and became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a track event at any global competition.
This groundbreaking achievement made her a household name overnight and earned her the nickname “Dhing Express” in tribute to her hometown.
Asian Games 2018 – Multi-Medal Triumph
Later that year, Hima represented India at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang and delivered an outstanding performance:
- 🥈 Silver Medal – Women’s 400m (50.79 seconds)
- 🥇 Gold Medal – Women’s 4x400m Relay
- 🥈 Silver Medal – Mixed 4x400m Relay
Her performance showcased her versatility and team spirit, further cementing her status as India’s sprint queen.
Record-Breaking Streak in 2019
Despite dealing with a back injury, Hima returned to competition in mid-2019 and stunned the athletics world with five international gold medals in just 19 days:
- Poznan Athletics Grand Prix, Poland – 200m Gold
- Kutno Athletics Meet, Poland – 200m Gold
- Kladno Meet, Czech Republic – 200m Gold
- Tabor Athletics Meet, Czech Republic – 200m Gold
- Nove Mesto Meet, Czech Republic – 400m Gold
These wins not only displayed her relentless drive but also proved her ability to excel across different sprint formats.
Injury Setbacks and Comeback
In late 2019, Hima began facing recurring back and hamstring issues that limited her participation in key tournaments. She was forced to withdraw from selection races for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, which was a major disappointment for her and her fans.
However, refusing to be deterred, Hima focused on recovery and gradually returned to the track. In 2022, she began competing in 100m and 200m events to reduce the strain of the 400m sprint and adjust her training routine to suit her physical condition.
She continues to work toward full fitness with the goal of qualifying for upcoming international championships, including the Asian Games 2026 and potentially the Olympics 2028.
Beyond Athletics: Role in Assam Police and Youth Advocacy
DSP in Assam Police
In February 2021, the Assam government honored Hima by appointing her as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). This role recognized her contributions to sports and positioned her as a symbol of youth empowerment and women’s leadership.
Wearing the uniform with pride, Hima now juggles her duties as a law enforcement officer while continuing her sports career.
Youth Icon and Social Advocate
Hima Das also serves as:
- UNICEF India Youth Ambassador: Advocating for child rights, health, and education.
- Brand Ambassador of Assam Sports and Education Initiatives: Promoting grassroots sports.
- Public Speaker: Frequently appearing at schools, universities, and summits to inspire the youth.
Awards and Honors
Over the years, Hima Das has been bestowed with numerous prestigious awards:
1. Arjuna Award (2018)
Presented by the President of India for excellence in athletics.
2. Assam Government Honors
- Appointed DSP
- Financial rewards and sports scholarship initiatives in her name
3. UNICEF Recognition
Named UNICEF Youth Ambassador for her contribution to child welfare.
4. Indian Sports Honours and Other Awards
Felicitated by major institutions, government bodies, and private organizations for her excellence and social contribution.
Personality and Style
Hima is known not just for her athletic prowess but also for her humility, infectious energy, and resilience. Her training sessions are marked by intense focus, and she is admired for her:
- Explosive starts
- High sprint cadence
- Strategic pacing, especially in 400m
- Powerful finish kicks
Despite her fame, she remains deeply connected to her roots, often speaking in Assamese during interviews and visiting her home village regularly.
Impact on Indian Athletics and Assamese Pride
Hima Das’s journey has inspired a wave of enthusiasm for athletics in Assam and the entire Northeast region. She has:
- Triggered increased investment in sports infrastructure in Assam
- Inspired thousands of young girls to take up sports
- Represented the aspirations of rural India on the global stage
- Shown how discipline and opportunity can transform lives
Today, she is not just a sprinter; she is a national treasure and an icon of Indian womanhood and empowerment.
What the Future Holds
As Hima continues her training, her focus remains on:
- Competing in international meets
- Qualifying for the 2026 Asian Games
- Preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
- Mentoring upcoming athletes
She has also hinted at future plans in social work and youth education initiatives, ensuring that her impact will last far beyond the tracks.
Conclusion
From the small town of Dhing in Assam to global athletic arenas, Hima Das’s story is a true embodiment of resilience, determination, and excellence. Her achievements in track and field have not only made her a legend in Indian athletics but also ignited hope in countless young minds across the country.
As the Dhing Express continues to race ahead, she carries with her the dreams of a nation — proving time and again that where you come from doesn’t limit how far you can go.
