India's medal hope Hima Das pulled out of the women's 400m heat in the Asian Athletics Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha on Sunday.

The 19-year-old had to retire from her sprint with a back problem. Hima failed to complete the race after the severe cramp occurred at the 200m point and she was seen in extreme agony.

Hima had a breakthrough 2018 when she won a 400m gold at the World U20 Championships before she claimed silver in the same category at the Asian Games.

While Hima failed in the 400m heats, MR Poovamma qualified for the 400m final after finishing second in the heat after Salwa Naser of Bahrain.