'Close to getting to 100 per cent', says National Record holder Harmilan Bains

The middle-distance runner clinched gold medal on her return from injury and also breached the qualification mark for Asian Games.

Harmilan Bains fondly called “the Queen” broke the meet record (04:14:45 Minutes) and won the gold medal at the 82nd All India Inter University Athletics Championships in Chennai. She could compete in only one competition in 2022 (North East Inter-Zonal University Meet) as she suffered from an injury (knee plica syndrome). The 24-year-old has made a good comeback post-rehab and has also breached the qualification mark (04:15:49 minutes) set by AFI for the 2022 Asian Games. 

Khel Now got an opportunity to interact with Harmilan Bains during the Inter-University Championships.

Thoughts on winning the gold medal

Harmilan Bains won the gold medal in women's 1500m at the All India Inter University Athletics Championships bettering her own meet record by clocking 4:14:45 minutes. She finished first in the heats as well clocking 4:20:69 minutes.

She said, “I was a bit nervous as it is my first National level competition after my surgery. I was very depressed due to my injury as I missed the 2022 World Championships. I got an invitation from World Athletics for the World Championships but could not participate due to knee surgery. On the same day, I received the letter of invitation to the World Championships and the date for my surgery.

"Also, I was doing self-training for this competition and overall I am happy with my performance. Started my training only four months ago and in the middle took part only in the North East Zonal meet.”

Recovery from injury

The National Record holder suffered from plica syndrome and had to miss the 2022 season. Harmilan missed the Commonwealth Games and the World Athletic Championships (got an invitation to participate). She had to proceed with the surgery and is continuing with rehab.

The 24-year-old iterated, “It was plica syndrome (knee) which is found in only 30 per cent of the population. My coach asked me to run for 6km and there was some renovation going on in the track (in Rajasthan). I asked the coach to not do the workout on that particular day as we had time for the Asian Games but the coach asked to me proceed with the workout. After the end of 3000m, I got irritation and in the next 2000m it started paining and in the last 1000m got injured.

"The problem is it took six months to detect the injury because plica is very minor and cannot be detected even in the MRI scan. Then a special MRI (3T) was used to detect the issue. When I consulted a doctor he said I can continue without surgery but it will irritate me after six months so he suggested going with the surgery.”

Mental health during the injury 

Harmilan Bains explained what went through her during the tough times and said, “My friends were very supportive. I used to cry until 1 AM but two of my best friends (Sukhan and Ankit) took good care. I am very thankful to them for staying beside me. All my preparations were for the Asian Games and World Championships but the latter got postponed to 2023 so shall try my best. Also, I breached the qualification mark for the Asian Games today but as per the rule I have to participate in AFI competitions (federation cup and the interstates).”

Road to Recovery

The “Queen” went to JSW for her rehab and was funded by Adani. She appreciated the facilities at the JSW which helped her get back to fitness quickly and efficiently.

The long-distance athlete opined, “I am close to getting to 100 per cent. I did my rehab session at JSW and the funding was given by Adani. The management helped me a lot in my rehab process. The local physios cannot help me with the rehab. Muscle health is very important and after surgery and I had set only three months for my rehab. The recovery process in JSW was excellent and is one of the best in India”.

Support from the University

Harmilan has been representing Punjabi University for the past five years. She has taken part in several University meets and was also the champion at the inaugural edition of the Khelo India University Games in Odisha.

“I am representing my university for the past five years. They helped me with everything they could. I only go for writing my exams and do not attend my regular classes,” she added.

Plans on training abroad 

Several athletes from India (Avinash Sable, Neeraj Chopra, and Rohit Yadav) have travelled abroad for high-performance training. Athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia dominate the long-distance events.

Harmilan Bains isn’t sure about going abroad but has plans to travel if everything permits. She said, “Right now I am planning to stay in India and train. I will talk with my father and the company regarding this soon. I have improved a lot practising alone, so if I can put in more effort then I can improve further.

"Might be looking to travel (Kenya, Ethiopia, or the High-Performance centre in Italy). It will be hard to go there but if I get a chance then should definitely have a look.”

Focus solely on 1500m 

The 24-year-old competes in 800m and 1500m but due to the injury, she is solely concentrating on competing in 1500m.

“I will do 800m also but right now I am unable to cope with the speed due to the surgery,” she added.

Hopeful of breaking NR again this year

She created a new National Record during the 2021 National Open Championships in Warangal. Harmilan clocked 4:05:39 minutes (1500m) and secured the top spot. 

The Punjabi University athlete iterated, “After four months of training, I got to 4:14 minutes. When I achieved this time a few years ago, I had done a lot of training (one to two years). Right now I am training and doing my rehab as well simultaneously but it was the case (three years back). I am happy with what I have achieved now and probably after a month will complete my rehab and get back to full-time training.”

Future tournaments and goals

There are several high-profile tournaments scheduled this season (Asian Games, World Championships, and qualification for the 2024 Olympic games). 

Harmilan said, “I will not be taking part in the Indian Grand Prix I as I am satisfied with my performance today. If I had done anything close to 4:18 or above then would have taken part in the Grand Prix. I am aiming for the Federation Cup and the Interstate Championships.”

“I do not want to set a long-time vision. This year will want to participate in the Asian Games and then the Olympics next year. I am a journey-loving person so will like to travel and live my life.”