Hima sets foot in Guwahati, CM receives at airport

Hima Das has set foot in Guwahati and LGBI Airport as well as the city is all decked up on the occasion of the arrival of its golden girl, the first  major sporting icon of the state, as she lands in the home state after almost seven months being away in the circuits.

This is her first home coming after sensational gold medal at world youth athletics, Finland and the three medal at the Asian Games.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal received Hima at the airport, with the state government making elaborate arrangements as thousands of people have flooded the airport to have a glance of Hima.

Meanwhile AASU  will give her a public felicitation at Latashil Play Ground on September 10.

Informing this in a press conference, the member secretary of the State Level Advisory Committee for Students and Youth Welfare Lakhya Konwar said, "Assam Government will accord reception to Hima with State Honour at the airport."

Hima is now on the way to visit the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Kshetra to pay homage to the musical icon.

From Jalukbari Hima will go to the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Sarusajai to offer her salute from where she started her glorious journey.

The Assam Government will felicitate Hima at an official function to be held at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium, Panjabari and is scheduled to start at 5 pm. As per the information, she will stay in Guwahati that night.

Konwar further revealed that the Assam Government has already announced a reward of Rs 1.6 crore, for two gold medals (one in Finland and the other in Asian Games – Rs 50 lakh each) and Rs 30 lakh each for the silver medals she won in the Asian Games. The Chief Minister will hand over the cheque in the function on Friday.

"The State Government has invited all the State level sports organisations, international sportspersons, media for the function. Arjuna Awardee Bhogeswar Barua, the first Asian Games gold medallist from Assam, has already agreed to be present in the function," Konwar said.

Director of Sports and Youth Welfare Pabitra Ram Khound said it will be exclusively a State Government's official function. "We have invited representatives from the Indian Olympic Association and Asian Olympic body to attend the function. Hope they will be present on the occasion," Khound said.

Konwar revealed that the cash award will be given as per the guidelines of the State Sports Policy. Apart from Hima other athletes – Shiva Thapa, Promila Daimary, Ashmita Chaliha and Kavita Devi, who took part in the Jakarta Asiad, will also be provided Rs 5 lakh each.