Udaipur, December 7: Hamida Bano, a celebrated former athlete from Udaipur and a silver medalist at the 1982 Asian Games, passed away on Saturday evening due to a heart attack. The 64-year-old athlete, who brought international accolades to Indian athletics, breathed her last at a private hospital in Udaipur, where she was undergoing treatment following a cardiac arrest on Friday evening.
A Trailblazer in Indian Athletics
Hamida Bano was a pioneering athlete from Udaipur, becoming the first woman from the region to win an international medal in athletics. Her crowning achievement came at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, where she secured a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles and contributed to India’s legacy in athletics.
Over her illustrious career, Bano amassed numerous accolades at both national and international levels, representing India in various prestigious events and setting a benchmark for future generations of athletes.
Achievements and Contributions
Hamida Bano’s career was marked by a series of remarkable performances:
International Wins
- 1979 (Madras): Gold in the 400-meter event at the International Games.
- 1980 (Germany): Bronze in the International Asian Games as a sprinter.
- 1981 (Pune): Three gold medals in the 400-meter run, hurdles, and 4×400 relay at the International Athletics Meet.
- 1981 (Japan): Silver and bronze at the 4th Asian Track and Field Meet.
- 1982 (Japan): Silver in the 400-meter sprint and bronze in the 400-meter hurdles.
- 1982 (Pune): Gold in both the 400-meter sprint and hurdles at the International Asian Games.
Asian Games Highlights (1982, Delhi)
- Silver in the 400-meter hurdles.
- Bronze in the 4×400 relay race.
National Glory
- Numerous medals, including gold, silver, and bronze at the Mumbai International Athletics Meet, further cemented her legacy in Indian sports.
Honors and Awards
Hamida Bano’s contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including:
- Maharana Sajjan Singh Medal
- Manak Suvarna Award
- Maharana Pratap Award
- Rajat Jayanti Award
- Nahar Award
- Aman Award
- Khel Ganga Award
- Major Dhyan Chand Award
These accolades are a testament to her dedication, hard work, and indomitable spirit as an athlete.
A Legacy Remembered
Hamida Bano is survived by her husband, a retired official from the Indian Bureau of Mines, and their three children—two sons and a daughter. She was not only a source of pride for her family but also a role model for countless young athletes aspiring to achieve greatness in sports.
Her funeral is scheduled for Sunday morning at the Chetak Circle Cemetery in Udaipur.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.