New Delhi, July 13 (PTI): President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed sprinter Hima Das, who became the first Indian woman to clinch a gold medal at a global event -- the World Under-20 Championships in Finland.
"India is delighted and proud of athlete Hima Das, who won a historic Gold in the 400m of World U20 Championships. Congratulations to her! This accomplishment will certainly inspire young athletes in the coming years," tweeted the Prime Minister.
Das clinched the top spot in the women's 400m final race at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Tampere, Finland yesterday.
President Kovind too lauded Das' unprecedented feat.
"Congratulations to our sensational sprint star Hima Das for winning the 400m gold in the World Under-20 Championship. This is India's first ever track gold in a World Championship. A very proud moment for Assam and India, Hima; now the Olympic podium beckons!" he wrote on Twitter.
Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also congratulated Hima for her achievement.
"Hima Das creates history by winning Gold medal in 400m of World U20 Championships. She is 1st Indian athlete to win Gold in track event of U-20 World Championships. You have made India proud. #NariShakti," he wrote on his handle.
According to a report from Guwahati, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also congratulated Hima Das for her achievement. "I salute Hima Das for her outstanding achievement. Whatever she has achieved is remarkable. We are proud of her", he said.
Sonowal said that she is highly talented and the country is proud of her achievement. "She will bring more laurels to the country in near future", he told a TV channnel.
Hima Das hails from Nagaon district of Assam.
