I still remember watching that electrifying moment in 2018 when Golden Girl Hima Das broke records and made India proud on the world stage. As a sports fan, few things give me goosebumps like seeing the tricolor rise while our athletes rewrite history. Hima’s victory wasn’t just a win—it was a reminder that greatness can come from the most unexpected corners of the country.
Born in Dhing, a small town in Assam, Hima’s journey from muddy fields to international tracks is nothing short of cinematic. She didn’t have fancy gear or elite coaching early on. What she had was grit, a relentless spirit, and that unmistakable spark that defines champions.
Who Is Hima Das and Why Is She Called the “Dhing Express”?
Hima Das—lovingly known as the Dhing Express—has carved her name into Indian athletics history. Her rise began when she became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at a global track event. That happened at the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, where she stunned the world with her 400m win.
That single race wasn’t luck—it was legacy in motion. Later that same year, she clocked 50.79 seconds at the Asian Games in Jakarta, setting the Indian national record in the 400m, a record that still stands. Her form was so dominant in 2018 that she went on to win five gold medals in just 19 days, a feat that showcased her consistency and composure under pressure.
Her personal bests paint a clear picture of her athletic range:
- 100m: 11.63 seconds (2021)
- 200m: 22.88 seconds (2021)
- 400m: 50.79 seconds (2018, National Record)
Image Source: Man’s World India
Hima’s story proves that determination can defy limitations. Her achievements didn’t just elevate Indian sprinting—they redefined what was possible for young athletes across the nation.
When Did Golden Girl Hima Das Break Records and Rewrite History?
The “Golden Girl Hima Das breaks records” moment that made global headlines started with that unforgettable World U20 gold. She ran with confidence, arms swinging wide, head slightly tilted forward, and finished well ahead of her competitors.
At just 18, she became a global sensation and the pride of India. The momentum carried her into the 2018 Asian Games, where she not only won medals but also set the national 400m record. Her pace, precision, and personality turned her into a household name overnight.
Between July and August 2019, Hima’s golden streak across European meets—five golds in 19 days—proved her dominance wasn’t a one-off moment. For an athlete so young, maintaining that intensity showed remarkable discipline.
What Challenges Did Hima Das Face in Her Career?
Behind every medal lies a mountain of challenges, and Hima’s journey was no exception. She faced injuries, form fluctuations, and public scrutiny. In 2023, she was provisionally suspended due to “whereabouts” issues under anti-doping protocols—not for any failed test, but for missing reporting deadlines.
In March 2024, the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel cleared her, and by September 2024, the appeal panel upheld the decision. She returned to the track that year, ready to prove her commitment and focus once again.
What impressed me most was how she handled the noise—with grace, not grievance. Her comeback is a reminder that resilience is just as important as raw speed in an athlete’s career.
Image Source: Indian Link
How Does Hima Das Inspire the Next Generation?
Every time I hear a young sprinter talk about Hima Das, there’s admiration in their tone. She represents possibility. Coming from a rural background and making it to the global podium gives hope to every child running barefoot across a field.
Her appointment as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Assam shows how far she’s come—not just as an athlete but as a national icon. Hima uses her platform to encourage sports participation, fitness, and education among the youth.
When we say “Golden Girl Hima Das breaks records,” it isn’t just about stopwatch times—it’s about the mental barriers she shattered along the way.
What’s Next for the Dhing Express?
After returning to competition in 2024, Hima focused on the 200m and 400m events in domestic meets. Fans are hopeful for her comeback in major international tournaments, possibly the Asian Championships or the next Olympic cycle.
With her record, discipline, and hunger to improve, it’s clear Hima’s story is still unfolding. Whether or not she sets new times, her impact on Indian athletics is already timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Hima Das called the Golden Girl?
Because she made history as India’s first woman to win gold at a global track event (World U20 Championships 2018). The nickname celebrates her golden run and her record-breaking performances in 2018.
2. What is Hima Das’s national record?
Her 400m time of 50.79 seconds, set during the 2018 Asian Games, remains India’s national record for women’s 400m. It’s a benchmark performance in Indian athletics.
3. How many gold medals has Hima Das won?
In 2018, she bagged five gold medals within 19 days at various international meets, along with the World U20 gold and the Asian Games medals (including a mixed relay gold later upgraded officially).
4. Did Hima Das face any bans?
She faced a provisional suspension in 2023 for missed whereabouts filings, not doping. In 2024, disciplinary and appeal panels cleared her, confirming she had no doping violation and allowing her to return to competition.
Still Running, Still Inspiring: The Legacy Continues
When I think of athletes who transformed Indian track and field, Hima’s name races to the top of the list. The phrase “Golden Girl Hima Das breaks records” doesn’t just belong to a headline—it describes a legacy built on courage, speed, and heart.
She showed us that greatness isn’t born in privilege—it’s built in perseverance. From Dhing’s dusty lanes to the world’s fastest tracks, Hima Das taught an entire generation to chase dreams with all their might.
And something tells me—the Dhing Express hasn’t hit her final gear yet.
