Hima Das optimistic about her chances of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics

 

Indian sprinter Hima Das is optimistic that India’s 4x100m women’s relay will give their all and qualify for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) have set u[p a great team which apparently they are calling as the ‘dream team’ of four highly talented female sprinters like Hima Das, 100m National record holder Dutee Chand, the young star Dhanalakshmi Sekar and Archana Suseendran in the 4x100m Women’s relay. The team will be in action at the World Athletics Relay which is scheduled for next month.

The World Athletics Relay will be held in Poland and is an Olympics qualifier for Tokyo 2020, the top eight finishing teams will book their tickets for the Summers Games.

“We are confident that we can qualify for the Olympics during the World Relays. We should do it,” Hima Das told PTI.

“I am in very good shape and the other members are also doing well and preparing well. We have done really well in the Federation Cup.”

The Federation Cup was a huge success in terms of Indian athletics as several athletes turned out and performed really well. Out of which Dhanalakshmi Sekar has to be the standout emerging talent from the event. She clinched gold in the 100m beating Dutee Chand and finished ahead of Hima Das in the heats for the 200m.

To help the athletes more the AFI have planned a camp in Turkey later this month and it will be crucial for the athletes and help the ones who have not yet qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. Hima das is also among those athletes who have not qualified for the Summers Games in individual events and hence will look to make the most of it.

“I will be running 100m and 200m during training. I will also take part in competitions (Olympic qualifying events) in and around Turkey,” Hima said.

Hima Das’ claim to fame was when she won the 400m race and became the Junior Champion in 2018. Hailing from Assam the 21-year-old was given the nickname of Dhing Express. Hima lived up to her nickname when she followed the Junior Championship with a silver medal at the Asian Games. However, a back injury in 2019 has shifted her focus on shorter distances of 100m and 200m.

The 21-year-old sprinter will look to give her best and qualify for her maiden Olympics in both individual and relay events.