'In coming years, I wish to see world champions from Nagpur', says Hima Das

NAGPUR: I want to see world champions from Nagpur soon, said Hima Das, India’s first athlete to win a gold medal at an international track event. “I started running in 2017 and within a year became world U-20 champion. I come from a very humble background and from a small village. If I can achieve all this success why can’t you all,” said Hima.

The star Indian sprinter was in the city to distribute the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav (KKM) flags to various sports associations on Sunday.

Hima was all praise for Union minister Nitin Gadkari for giving a platform to young sportspersons by organizing a sports event on such a huge scale.

She said, “My success looks easy to some but to achieve this I sacrificed a lot. I had to stay away from my parents, my family, and had to sacrifice my favourite food, and at the same time dedicate myself to athletics. Since Nagpur has such a great sports event, I am sure in coming years we can see world champions from here.”

While announcing the dates of season 6 of the nation’s first grassroot sports festival, Gadkari said, “This edition of KKM will be held across 66 venues in the city from January 12 to 28. Like every year, this KKM will be bigger and better, and I hope to see world champions like our very own archer Ojas Pravin Deotale.”

Gadkari added, “Asian Games triple gold medallist Ojas is our pride. I am happy to announce that Ojas will be participating in the sixth edition of Khasdar Krida Mahotsav. He has participated in KKM earlier too, and brought laurels to the city and country, he is our pride. My intention behind starting KKM was to see youngsters like Ojas bring laurels to the country.”

For Hima, 2018, the year KKM started, was a memorable year. She said, “Gadkari sir started KKM in 2018, which is the most memorable year for me as I became the world champion. Wherever I will go, I will surely tell everyone about this grassroot sports festival that is an inspiration for youngsters. I am sure from this festival Nagpur will produce many world champions in future.”

Over 2,500 players and officials joined the dates announcement event at Kingsway Hospital hall. Chief convener of the event and former mayor Sandip Joshi gave introductory remarks. The sixth KKM will be conducted over 17 days with 56 sports disciplines and played at 66 venues. A total of 2,325 teams, 4,800 officials and over 65,000 participants will take part.

At the concluding ceremony on January 28, 1,100 trophies, 12,300 medals and 1.35 crore prize money will be distributed.