Hima Das had won the gold medal in the 400-metre race at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Finland after which Indians living in Finland felicitated her for making India proud
In a surprising and pleasant move, a group of Indians in Finland joined hands to show admiration for Hima Das in a public way by driving from Helsinki to the venue of IAAF World Under-20 Championships, Tampere.
In an interview to TOI, the group from Helsinki told that they wanted to do something for the U-20 champion. The group had members of the Punjab Cultural Society and Punjab Sports Club who wanted to do something for her as fellow Indians. What started as a Whatsapp group discussion to support the Indian sprinter, raised an astonishing amount of approximately 1 lakh within half an hour.
The group spread the love by this wonderful idea initiated by Vicky Moga who runs the Warriors Hockey Club in Finland. Upon reaching Tampere, the group met Hima das and awarded her the amount. They also met PT Usha there. However, the amount will be deposited to her personal bank account to ensure that it directly reaches her.
Earlier, Assam Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal announced a Rs.50 lakh award for the world champion who hails from a small village in Assam. The Assam Athletic Association and the Assam Olympic Association had announced the amount of Rs.2 lakh each.
Last Updated Jul 17, 2018, 12:47 PM IST