New Delhi, April 11 – Star sprinter Hima Das has praised the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for implementing policies that have helped develop the sport at the grassroots level, making it possible for athletes from small cities and towns to dream of achieving success in athletics and competing in the 2036 Olympics.
Hima, who won two gold and one silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, participated in the third leg of the Indian Athletics Series at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Hima, who hails from Assam, said that the AFI has partnered with the central government to develop athletics at the grassroots level.
"All the credit goes to the Athletics Federation of India because the Athletics Federation of India has made significant improvements at the grassroots level through its collaboration with the government. When I was warming up here, everyone came and spoke to me. I said that I will also run with you, so I am also learning from them. India will be hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and is also hoping to host the Olympics in 2036," Hima Das said.
"Some people say that I come from this village. Similarly, I also come from a small town. So, I know what level I have come from. Therefore, I hope that in the next 10-12 years, our athletics will develop in India. So, in the 2036 Olympics, which India is planning to host in Ahmedabad, by that time, we will do very well in athletics. My goal is the same as every athlete, my goal is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics," said Hima, who won gold in the women's 4x400m relay and the 4x400m Mixed Relay.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, top Indian performers delivered impressive performances during the one-day third leg of the Indian Athletics Series at New Delhi’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
It was a joyful day for athletics fans as Asian championships bronze medallist Animesh Kujur clinched the men's 100m title with a time of 10.28 seconds. Two-time Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor recorded a 21.03m throw, a season best, to win the men's shot put title. Promising high jumper Pooja raised the bar to win gold with a height of 1.90m, a personal best.
The excitement reached its peak in the evening session as the top three male javelin throwers crossed the 80m barrier in a battle to gain supremacy.
However, it was Rohit Yadav's day as he secured the top position with an impressive throw of 82.17m. World Championships finalist Sachin Yadav settled for second place (81.95m), while Yashvir Singh finished third (81.61m).