The Athletics Federation of India later clarified that 'intention was to highlight her confidence and positive attitude'.
A tweet from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) criticising the English speaking skills of Hima Das, instead of praising her win in women’s 400-meter race at IAAF World U-20 Championship sent Twitter users in a frenzy.
The tweet said, "Not so fluent in English but she gave her best there too."
On Thursday, Hima Das became the first Indian to win a gold medal at a global athletics event. The 18-year-old clinched the women’s 400-meter race at the 2018 IAAF World U-20 Championship in Tampere, Finland.#HimaDas speking to media after her SF win at #iaaftampere2018 @iaaforg Not so fluent in English but she gave her best there too. So proud of u #HimaDas Keep rocking & yeah,try ur best in final! @ioaindia @IndianOlympians @TejaswinShankar @PTI_News @StarSportsIndia @hotstartweets pic.twitter.com/N3PdEamJen
— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) July 12, 2018
The tweet also carried a video of Das speaking the media about her historic win.
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Many took to social media, to criticize AFI's tweet and expressed their anger.
Following the severe criticisms, AFI was forced to issue a clarification.
Replying to one such critical tweet, AFI replied:
It was nver abt her english Biswa. Intention was to highlight her confidence & positive attitude.She is nvr shy & a fighter. AFI is her biggest supporter.Hwevr, it seems it went all https://t.co/5mACFAGgV3 we r not deleting it as its a good interview ppl shuld watch.
— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) July 13, 2018