Hima Struggles to Qualify in IAAF World Athletics Championships, Doha

Assam Sprinter Hima Das skips her latest race at Czech Republic on Thursday but another Indian sprinter, VK Vismaya slowly making a mark.

Vismayaproduced a personal best timing of 52.12s and won a gold medal in the women400m run at the International Athletic Meeting, Josef Seckar Memorial (MJS) inBrno, Czech Republic on Wednesday.

The22-year-old Indian surpassed her compatriots Poovamma Machettira and SubhaVenkatesan who finished second and third with timings of 53.47s and Subha53.67s respectively.

Vismaya, whohad earlier achieved a personal best of 52.48 at Nové Mesto and Metují (CZE)last month, is proving to be an improved athlete this year, but is somehowgetting overshadowed by Hima's back to back medal hauls.

Hima, whorecently won six gold medals in European races, missed out this event, andVismaya took advantage of it. She is in Europe for some time now with the quartermilers competing in various sprints.

Hima has nowjust 8 days to qualify for the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar,which will take place in September 28 to October 6, 2019.

To qualifyin her favourite event 400 m, Hima has to clock 51.80 secs but Hima's besttiming this year is 52.12 secs.  It willbe extremely difficult for Hima to qualify for the World Athletics with thisrate.

On the otherhand, Vishwamaya is slowly catching up and according to coach Bukharina shewill soon go sub 52 secs.  She isclocking now 52.12 just 3 micro seconds slower than Hima.  It looks like Vishamaya will soon cross HimaDas.