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Athletics

Watch: Hima's success has been the gamechanger for Sarusajai Sports Complex

The success of Hima Das has changed the sporting scenario of Assam within a short period of time. Now, athletics has a role model to inspire hundreds.

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By

Abdul Gani

Updated: 16 Oct 2021 10:21 AM GMT

The success of Hima Das has changed the sporting scenario of Assam within a short period of time. Earlier, it was either cricket or football, which was the most preferred game among the youth. Now, athletics has a role model to inspire hundreds.

The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium at the Sarusojai Sports Complex in Guwahati, where Hima trained during her initial days after being spotted by her coach Nipon Das, wears a different look now. Both in the morning and afternoon, the kids aspiring to be another Hima throng the stadium every day.

"Earlier it was hardly 30 boys and girls and that too they were not regulars but now…it is jampacked. This time we had 200 enrolments and out of that more than 100 kids attend the training every day. This kind of environment has come after Hima's success," Nipon Das, the chief coach of the athletics academy at the stadium told The Bridge.

The academy came up in 2007 after the national games which were hosted by Assam.

There are some trainees at the centre who work during the night hours or in the early morning shifts in the city, and they attend the training in the afternoon.

"You will be surprised to know that I must appreciate their dedication. If they get some kind of financial assistance at this time, it will be a great help for these youngsters to chase their dreams," Nipon added.


Among these, 19-year old Ajit Keleng is one who works in a private company from 6 am to 2 pm and then reaches the stadium at 3.30 pm for the training.

"I want to be a famous athlete. We have seen Hima trained here and now winning medals all across the world. It's a motivation for us. If she can, we too can do it. I will give my best here," Keleng said.

Sayanika Gogoi, another aspirant who also wants to be like her idol Hima Das, hails from Sivasagar district in upper Assam. She has been spotted by Nipon Das and is undergoing training while staying in hostel of the stadium.

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