Hima Das passes HS exams with flying colours

GUWAHATI: A month before the HS examination began, Assam's ace sprinter Hima Das was training in

Turkey

. This has been a busy year for Hima, the national record holder in 400 metres, with preparations in full swing for the Tokyo Olympics. Her schedule has been gruelling so far - just last month, she had to pull out of the Asian Athletics Championships after suffering a back spasm.


Juggling studies with her packed track schedule is hardly an easy affair. But when the HS examination results were declared on Saturday, the 'Dhing Express' passed the test with flying colours, securing a first division (60% aggregate marks or more) with letter marks (more than 80%) in the Assamese paper. Hima, an arts student, got 349 marks out of 500, securing 63 in English, 84 in Assamese and 60 marks in Advanced Assamese. She has also done well in other papers, securing 75 in Political Science, 67 in Education and 46 in Geography.

Hima's mother Jonali Das was elated at the achievement of her daughter. "We are very happy with Hima's results. Dhing College has supported her a lot and made it possible for her to excel in academics alongside sports. We are very grateful to them," said Jonali.

After taking a year gap, Hima appeared for Class XII board exams this time from Gauhati University-affiliated Dhing College in central Assam's Nagaon district. She had to skip several training sessions to take the exam. She is currently practicing hard in Poland for the World Championships in

Doha

in October and next year's Olympics.

Dhing College principal Sarat Kumar Dutta told TOI that he personally called up Hima to inform her about the results. "Hima's result exceeded our expectations. Despite having an extremely busy schedule in sports, she was eager to complete her schooling and appear for the board exam. She was always good in the Assamese subject. But some of our teachers personally helped her before the exams by sending her study materials online. Today, we are happy to see the outcome," said Dutta.

Dutta also said Hima could have done better if she had taken the practical examination in Geography. "If she could have appeared in the Geography practical exam, her aggregate percentage would have improved significantly. But it was not possible for her due to prior engagements outside the state," he added.

He further said that Hima has confirmed that she will pursue her graduation from Dhing College. "Hima is a special talent. We feel so lucky that she is our student. Dhing College will always help her to complete her studies," he said.