The Girls Who Owned The Year

India’s turn at the 2018 Asian Games gave us glory and gooseflesh in equal measure, as one sportswoman after another from our country bagged the medal and triumph. We spoke to four fabulous superachievers at the games and now have backstories that will inspire you to jump up and applaud.

- Anindita Ghosh, Nikita Sawant, Hemchhaya De, And Radhika Sathe-Patwardhan

‘I DON’T THINK WOMEN ARE WEAK’

When Hima Das won a gold in the 400 m final at the IAAF World U-20 Athletics Championships at Tampere, Finland, she burst upon the national consciousness like a bolt of lightning. By clocking 51.46 seconds at the event, she became the first Indian to win a gold medal at an international track event. Das followed up this stupendous performance with a silver in the 400 m final, which was also a national record, and a gold in the 4X400 m relay. We caught up with this 18-year old sporting sensation from Assam, and discovered that she is as feisty and fearless in person as she is on the racing track.

You won one gold and two silver medals at the Asian Games. You also won a gold medal at the IAAF World U-20 Athletics Championships 2018 held at Tampere, Finland. Which medal holds more importance for you?

Definitely the gold I won at the World Championship since it helped me and the sport gain more recognition. I’ve been able to grow tremendously because of it.

Which was the most memorable moment for you at the Asian Games?

I can’t think of any specific moment. I was more focussed on the challenges that each new day brought with it.

Did you ever feel nervous while competing with such accomplished athletes?

Of course. Even the world’s most accomplished athletes feel nervous. It’s when you hear “On your mark, get set, go” that the nervousness sets in. But when I am on the track, all I think of is that I have to run.

Tell us something about your journey as an athlete.