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India’s ace sprinter Hima Das extended her sensational run by claiming her fifth gold of the month as she returned to her pet 400m competition with a season-best time of 52.09 seconds .
The timing on Saturday was slower than her personal best of 50.79 seconds, which she managed at the Jakarta Asian Games and she also narrowly missed out on the World Championships qualifying mark of 51.80.
However, it was better than the timing of 52.88, which she managed earlier in the season.
It was Hima’s fifth gold medal since July 2 when she ran her first competitive race in Europe.
In her first competitive 200m race of the year, she clocked 23.65 on her way to gold at the Poznan Athletics Grand Prix in Poland on July 2
After that, she won her second 200m gold at the Kutno Athletics Meet, also in Poland, on July 7 with a time of 23.97.
On July 13, she won her third 200m gold at the Kladno Athletics Meet in Czech Republic with a time of 23.43 while her fourth gold came at the Tabor Athletics Meet in the same country on Wednesday.
It was the first competition in 400m for the 19-year-old from Assam, fondly called the ‘Dhing Express’, since she struggled to finish the Asian Athletics Championship in April this year because of a back issue.
Her sterling feats did not go unnoticed . Her showing was hailed by all :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted ,
India is very proud of @HimaDas8’s phenomenal achievements over the last few days. Everyone is absolutely delighted that she has brought home five medals in various tournaments. Congratulations to her and best wishes for her future endeavours.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2019
Gautam Gambhir , BJP MP, Former India cricket team Opener
Our Golden Girl is simply unstoppable in 15 days for #HimaDas. An inspiration for every Indian , we’re all rooting for you . You’re limitless. A shining light for Assam in their time of darkness. Have fun, stay relaxed and keep doing what you’re doing. pic.twitter.com/NHnQdCitxp
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 18, 2019
Sachin Tendulkar , Indian cricket legend
Loving the way you have been running in the European circuit over the last 19 days.
Your hunger to win and perseverance is an inspiration for the youth.
Congrats on your 5 Medals!
All the best for the future races, @HimaDas8. pic.twitter.com/kaVdsB1AjZ— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 21, 2019
Anushka Sharma, Bollywood Actress
19 days – 5 gold medals – 1 golden girl ! Congratulations @HimaDas8 ! You are an exemplary example of solid grit & determination & a huge inspiration to young girls
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) July 22, 2019
Rishabh Pant , Wicket- Keeper Indian Cricket Team
You are an absolute inspiration @HimaDas8 The golden girl of India salaam boss pic.twitter.com/21cetOSsWS
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabPant777) July 21, 2019
