'Hima Das will inspire younger athletes'

President, PM hail Hima Das after unprecedented feat

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi \hailed sprinter Hima Das, who became the first Indian woman to clinch a gold medal at a global event -- the World Under-20 Championships in Finland on Thursday.

"India is delighted and proud of athlete Hima Das, who won a historic Gold in the 400m of World U20 Championships. Congratulations to her! This accomplishment will certainly inspire young athletes in the coming years," tweeted the Prime Minister.

- Congratulate Hima Das on her feat

Das clinched the top spot in the women's 400m final race at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Tampere, Finland yesterday.

President Kovind too lauded Das's feat.

"Congratulations to our sensational sprint star Hima Das for winning the 400m gold in the World Under-20 Championship. This is India's first ever track gold in a World Championship. A very proud moment for Assam and India, Hima; now the Olympic podium beckons!" he wrote on Twitter.

Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also congratulated Hima for her achievement.

"Hima Das creates history by winning Gold medal in 400m of World U20 Championships. She is 1st Indian athlete to win Gold in track event of U-20 World Championships. You have made India proud. #NariShakti," he wrote on his handle.