After the Indian sprinter Hima Das was ruled out of World Championships due to a back injury, it has now come into light that her injury was life-threatening and despite that, she continued to participate in various championships in Europe. The issue has come forward with the release of a letter written by the President of Indian Federation of Sports Medicine, Dr. PSM Chandran in May this year to Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Chief Executive Officer, Rajesh Rajagopalan.

Das was suffering from a career-threatening injury

The letter says that 19-year-old Hima Das was not fully fit for the World Relay Championships held in Yokohama last May as she was suffering from Lumbar Spondylitis and which could be career-threatening to her. Das suffered a muscle spasm in the Asian Athletic Championships in Doha after which she was not able to complete her race in April this year.

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"Hima Das, a 400-metre runner. Two days back media reported that Hima who is in Yokohama for the World relay championships is suffering from severe backache, diagnosed as Lumbar Spondylitis, which could turn out to be a career-threatening injury for a runner. It is pertinent to note that Hima had pulled out due to muscle spasm after getting off the blocks in 400 metres heats at the Asian Athletic Championships in Doha last month," the letter said.

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After that, she continued to take part in the various sporting events around the world with other team members which led to worsening her injury. The letter advised her rest and rehabilitation complemented by medication. In July, Hima won five gold medals - four in 200m and one in 400m event in different events in Europe.

Athletics Federation of India confirmed her non-inclusion

It was confirmed by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Wednesday evening that Hima Das has been ruled out of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championships 2019. Her participation in the World Championships 2019 was uncertain as her name was not included in the initial list sent by the AFI to the IAAF for the competition which is all set to take place in Doha, Qatar from September 27 to October 6, this year. However, her non-inclusion was confirmed later in the evening on September 18, nine days prior to the showpiece event.

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(With ANI inputs)