New Delhi, November 15: Asian Games gold medallist Hima Das has been appointed India’s first ever youth ambassador of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India.
To inspire and gather the support of India’s 253 million adolescents towards the cause of children and young people, UNICEF India appointed Asian Games Gold medallist Hima Das as the country’s first ever Youth Ambassador, a statement issued by UNICEF India said.
UNICEF India also took to its official Twitter handle and wrote, “Meet our Youth Ambassador, Hima Das! The Asian Games medallist is @UNICEF India’s first ever youth ambassador as part of #WorldChildrensDay celebration. #GoBlue.”
Speaking to media Hima said that she is honoured to be chosen for the role and further hoped to inspire more children to follow their dreams.
“I’m honoured to be chosen as @UNICEF India’s Youth Ambassador, and I hope I will be able to inspire more children to follow their dreams” — Hima Das, Asian Games medallist.#ChildrensDay #GoBlue
“It is an extremely proud moment for me. As an athlete, I get to meet a lot of young people and as UNICEF’s Youth Ambassador I will be able to amplify their voices and issues,” Hima said. “I want for every child, regardless of their background, gender or ability, to be able to access schools that are safe and supportive so that they can learn and thrive.”
An 18-year-old girl from the Dhing village in Assam, Hima has emerged as an international award-winning sprint runner. She has won a silver medal in the 400 meters sprint at the recently-concluded Asian Games in Jakarta, and a gold in the 4X400 meters relay in the same event.
Earlier in September, Hima was honoured with the Arjuna Award. She was also named the ambassador of the state for Assam.
Hima also won the gold medal in the women’s 400m event at the IAAF World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland in July 2018.
Prasanta Patnaik