India’s turn at the 2018 Asian Games gave us glory and gooseflesh in equal measure, as one sportswoman after another from our country bagged the medal and triumph. We spoke to four fabulous superachievers at the games and now have backstories that will inspire you to jump up and applaud.
‘I DON’T THINK WOMEN ARE WEAK’
When Hima Das won a gold in the 400 m final at the IAAF World U-20 Athletics Championships at Tampere, Finland, she burst upon the national consciousness like a bolt of lightning. By clocking 51.46 seconds at the event, she became the first Indian to win a gold medal at an international track event. Das followed up this stupendous performance with a silver in the 400 m final, which was also a national record, and a gold in the 4X400 m relay. We caught up with this 18-year old sporting sensation from Assam, and discovered that she is as feisty and fearless in person as she is on the racing track.
You won one gold and two silver medals at the Asian Games. You also won a gold medal at the IAAF World U-20 Athletics Championships 2018 held at Tampere, Finland. Which medal holds more importance for you?
Definitely the gold I won at the World Championship since it helped me and the sport gain more recognition. I’ve been able to grow tremendously because of it.
Which was the most memorable moment for you at the Asian Games?
I can’t think of any specific moment. I was more focussed on the challenges that each new day brought with it.
Did you ever feel nervous while competing with such accomplished athletes?
Of course. Even the world’s most accomplished athletes feel nervous. It’s when you hear “On your mark, get set, go” that the nervousness sets in. But when I am on the track, all I think of is that I have to run.
Tell us something about your journey as an athlete.
Denne historien er fra January 9, 2019-utgaven av Femina.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 9, 2019-utgaven av Femina.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Get Out Of Text Tension
Ravina M Sachdev shares insights on how fexting might be ruining your relationship and how it can backfire in the long run
Pick Your Patterns Of Love
Prachi Rijhwani teaches you a thing or two about how to embrace healthy dating practices
TAME THAT TEMPER
You've probably seen children sprawled out on the floor in department stores or during festive occasions. Ever pondered the reason behind their behaviour? It is called toddler aggression and here's how to handle it.
HOW YOUR PALS POWER YOUR LOVE
Prachi Rijhwani discusses the positive impact of healthy friendships on your love life
An ITALIAN AFFAIR
TOSCANO has just opened another outpost in Wakad, and Pune is all for it
MAKING IT BIG
Restaurateur DHAVAL UDESHI talks to Ravina M Sachdev about starting from scratch in hospitality and making it big
SUNDAY BRUNCHES WITH Avartana's Award-Winning Food
Enjoy a Sunday brunch with the meticulously-curated menus at concept restaurant AVARTANA at ITC Maratha, Mumbai.
Of Culture And Curry
EDDIE SCOTT, winner of MasterChef UK 2022, knew that he needed to expand the West's horizon of Indian food beyond the notion of butter chicken and curry. He tells Shraddha Kamdar how he has attempted to do it with his book Misarana
THE WAY OF THE WATER
Happy, luxurious, chic, good times are the only way to roll on a vacation. AMBIKA MUTTOO has found her new favourite spot in the Indian Ocean, and is letting you in on the secret
HOT RIGHT NOW
All things fresh and fun in the beauty space