Indian sprinter Harmilan Bains, who became a standout athlete with two medals at the Asian Games, recently opened up about a difficult chapter in her life. Harmilan’s dream of participating in the Paris Olympics was shattered due to recurring injuries. The 26-year-old runner, who excelled in both the 800m and 1500m events at the Asian Games in China, faced a string of physical setbacks that ultimately led to her exclusion from the Olympic qualifiers. Harmilan revealed, “I wanted to participate in the Paris Olympics and gave my best, but injuries constantly affected my performance.”
Mental Health Struggles: Harmilan’s Battle with Depression
The pressure of missing out on such a significant event plunged her into a deep depression. Harmilan admitted that during this low phase, she even had suicidal thoughts. “After not being able to participate in the Paris Olympics, I was in depression. I couldn’t think of anything else,” she shared, expressing how the disappointment took a heavy toll on her mental health and made her question her future in athletics. She even contemplated giving up the sport entirely.
The Road to Recovery and a New Career Direction
Known as ‘The Queen’ on her social media accounts, Harmilan is currently nursing a grade 2B hamstring tear, a serious injury that could potentially require surgery. She had also suffered an ankle injury earlier this year, and her hamstring injury worsened when she participated in a race in Britain despite the initial diagnosis. “I was desperate to qualify for the Olympics, so I raced with an injury,” she admitted. As she waits for another scan to determine the need for surgery, Harmilan has accepted that she won’t be able to compete for at least nine months.
Shifting Gears: Exploring a Career in Modelling
While her future in athletics remains uncertain, Harmilan is looking toward other avenues to express herself. The sprinter is now considering a career in modelling, an industry that has piqued her interest. With her unique style and confidence, she is excited to explore this new chapter.
