The break of 45 days that Hima Das took to prepare for her higher secondary (HS) examinations in February-March earlier this year has been affecting her performance in the 400 metres.
“The Under-20 champion was away from the national camp and since here return to the track, she is struggling to get her timing back and qualify for the World Championships in Doha,” said Athletics Federation of India (AFI)’s deputy chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair.
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The Dhing Express clocked 52.09 seconds in the 400 metres event at Nove Mesto nad Metuji in the Czech Republic.
The qualifying standard for World Championship, however, is set at 51.80 seconds.
“Her decision to take a break was ill-timed as it broke her training cycle,” wrote Indian Express quoting a top AFI official.
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“But since the athlete insisted on appearing for the examinations, there was no option but to give in to her demand,” added the official.
Owing to lower back pain Hima Das pulled out of the 400 metres at the Asian Championships.
Nair further said that even though back pain was not an issue.
“However, the break from training has put her qualifying chances for the individual 400 metres event at the world championship under clouds,” Nair added.