July 02, 2020

Missed track badly during lockdown, IOC was right in postponing Tokyo Olympics: Hima Das

File image of Hima Das (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Indian sprinter

Hima Das

believes that the

International Olympic Committee

(

IOC

) took the right decision by postponing the

Tokyo Olympics

to next year due to the Covid-19 infection, considering the health and safety of athletes as paramount. While accepting that athletes generally have a short career span and the fear of getting injured always lurks around, Hima believes a professional sportsperson knows best how to make a comeback and stay relevant in his/her bid to achieve international medal glory.

“I feel the IOC was right in its decision considering the health of all athletes. Since, we remained out of action for almost two months, I believe it will take time (to get back into full training mode) and a lot depends on how our coaches plan the training regime. Injuries are part of an athlete’s life and we can always make a comeback. We do have a lot of competitions to look forward to. We have Olympics, World Championship, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. It’s about continue putting the hard yards,” Hima, fondly known as ‘Dhing Express’, said in a chat.

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For Hima, the 2018 World U-20 Championships gold medallist in 400m, the process to achieve desired results simply revolves around how much an athlete trains without thinking too much about medals. Hima said she believes in improving her timing every race she competes in and the medals will automatically follow.

“As an athlete, it’s very important to stay focused towards your goals and keep working hard. Definitely, the goal is to win an Olympic medal. I always run to improve my timing, never thought of medal before the start. My aim is always to improve my timing. Facing challenges in life always makes you strong. Ups and downs are always part of an athlete’s career. I believe life is all about making a comeback and working towards your goals. Currently, my focus is on training and future competitions,” said Hima, who remains an Indian hopeful for Tokyo in 400m.

“I always stay positive, believe in hard work. My life is same, people have given me lot of love. I will continue to work hard and bring more laurels for our nation,” added the 20-year-old.

Hima, who last year won as many as five gold in 20 days at various European competitions, informed that she spent her time during the nationwide

lockdown

performing yoga and meditation to improve her physical and mental fitness. Hima was part of the

athletics

national camp at the NIS centre in Patiala, which was suspended on March 18 after the spread of the Covid-19 infection.

“I missed track during the lockdown. It was a long wait. But, during the lockdown period, I performed yoga and meditation. I also explored a lot of new things like cooking, painting and singing during the lockdown,” said the current national record holder in 400m with a timing of 50.79s which she clocked at the Jakarta Asian Games.

Hima said that winning her first-ever medal at the World U-20 meet in Finland remains the biggest achievement of her fast-rising athletics career. “My journey from Dhing to Finland and then to Jakarta was really memorable. Winning first-ever medal in track event at the World under-20 track and event meet followed by medals in Asian Games was a big achievement. I would like to say that everyone should work hard in life and stay positive.”