Indian sprinter Hima Das returned to her hometown after she clinched three medals for the nation at the recently concluded Asia Cup 2018 in Jakarta. Hima finally returned to her hometown Guwahati where she received a warm welcome. She was received by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal along with her parents Ronjit and Jonali Das and many other dignitaries at the airport and was made to wear the Assamese 'gamosa' – the scarf of honour. Track-like carpet made for Hima Das
Along with the dignitaries, many fans turned out in number to greet the sprinter. She was escorted out of the airport by 25 Assam Police special women commandos ‘Birangona’. The athlete also walked on the special track which was made to welcome Hima. Check out the picture below.
#HimaDas taught our new generation to dream big. A dream that we can prove ourselves at the greatest stage of the sporting world. We along with @HimaDas8 have to show focus and remarkable amount of discipline to carry forward this tremendous journey.
Welcome home Hima! pic.twitter.com/s2x1PzSVCu
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) September 7, 2018
Donning a red jacket and blue jeans. Hima was taken to the stadium in the luxury car. Standing on the sunroof she waved out to everyone. She further went on to seek blessings at the Late Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi.
#HimaDas taking blessings at Late Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi. pic.twitter.com/Fs2UgBhiMY
— Ponjit Dowarah (@ponjitdowarah) September 7, 2018
On arriving at the stadium, Hima kissed the track. A few minutes ago she was honoured by the Assam state government and also received a cash award of Rs 1.6 crore.
Honoured to be felicitated by the Govt but please also felicitate our coaches, Hima Das appeals to the Assam Government. The State Govt felicitated Hima with a cash award of Rs 1.6 crore for winning medals at the Asian Games and the IAAF World U-20 Championships. pic.twitter.com/c50HNBjMzT
— Nandan Pratim Sharma Bordoloi 🇮🇳 (@NANDANPRATIM) September 7, 2018
“I trained here and I always thought that it is from this track that I will go forward. I thank all for making me achieve what I have done so far. I will continue to go forward People from Dhing have come all the way here. Because of their love for me, they walked the route from the airport even under the scorching sun while I was inside the car,” the athlete said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2018 10:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).