Odisha sprinter Dutee Chand aspires to be cop

Bhubaneswar: Ace sprinter from Odisha, Dutee Chand, aspires to become a police officer to serve the State and fulfil her dreams.

After qualifying for Tokyo Olympics 2020 in 100 and 200 metre events, the fastest sprinter of India now has a wish to join Odisha Police to make her childhood dream true.

But, there is another and important reason behind her desire to serve Odisha Police, as it will be a platform for her to get ticket for the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG), a spectacular biennial Olympic-style sporting event with 10,000 athletes representing law enforcement, firefighters, and police officers.

“It is my childhood dream to serve my State by wearing khaki clothes. I have talked to a few ministers and top officials in this regard requesting to the State Government for appointment in Odisha Police. By joining the police, it will pave a way to take part at the World Police and Fire Games and I will win medals for my State at the international athletic events,” Dutee told Sambad.

Seems like Dutee is following sprinter Hima Das way, who has joined Assam Police this year.

Giving her example, Dutee said, “Three years ago, Hima Das was the first ever Indian athlete to win a gold medal in any format of a global track event at IAAF World U20 Championship. The Assam Government has appointed her in the rank of DSP in the State Police in February this year. If Odisha Government wants, it could have hired me in the police that would give me an opportunity to secure berth for the World Police and Fire Games.”

The athlete is currently posted at the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) on sports quota. She believes that joining the Odisha Police can enrich her sports life.

Recently, sprinter Dutee Chand has qualified for 2020 Summer Olympics through her world ranking. She will be participating in her second Olympics for India.