New Delhi: Sprinter Dutee Chand won the 100m gold medal at World University Games in Naples. No other Indian had qualified for the 100-metre final in the history of the University Games before Dutee.
Exclusive interview with ace Indian sprinter Dutee Chand Chand said that it was not at all easy to win gold at World University Games as she got nervous in the finals and even the participants from other European nations had a better record than her.
However, she wanted to better her own personal record and this motivated her during the course of the race which eventually helped her clinch the gold medal.
She dedicated this win to the Odisha government, her sponsors and well-wishers who always have supported her even during her tough times. She further acknowledged that without their support she would have had reached anywhere and this victory thus is dedicated to them.
Dutee further said that when she kick-started her career, it was only her sister who supported her financially. However, as and when she progressed, the state and central government also helped her. She now believes that she needs to work hard further for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and for this sole reason she needs to train in foreign shores for which she may need further assistance from the state and central government.
Earlier, Dutee had came out of closet and had acknowledged officially about her homosexuality for which she had to face severe backlash including her family as well as others. Acknowledging this incident, Chand claimed all is well now within her family after her podium finish to the extent that her family members even distributed sweets to celebrate her victory. She further added, that one cannot be separated from one's family and that everything is now fine between her and her family.
Commenting on the fact that the day she won gold at Naples, the Indian cricket team weren't able to play their semi-final clash due to rain for which people back in India were left disappointed and fuming without celebrating or even realising Dutee's achievements, Chand stated this state is only due to the Indian media who only cover Cricket without giving due importance to other sports. She further added that since Cricket is privatised, thus more people follow the game than any other sports.
