Odisha’s Dutee Chand bags gold medal at Universiade

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Jul 10, 2019 at 8:44 AM Updated On : Jul 10, 2019 at 1:18 PM

Bhubaneswar: Adding another feather to her cap, Odisha’s ace sprinter Dutee Chand clinched gold medal in women’s 100m event at the 30th Summer Universiade in Napoli, Italy.

Clocking 11.32 seconds, Dutee achieved the feat and also became the first Indian to win the top spot in 100m event at Universiade.

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The 23-year-old had qualified for the finals with 11.41-seconds finish in the semi-final heats and led the final race from start to finish on Tuesday.

This is the first gold medal for India at this edition of the games. No Indian had qualified for the 100-metre final in the history of the University Games before this.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Dutee on her achievement.

Congratulations @DuteeChand for winning the 100m sprint at the Universiade, the World University Games, in Naples. This is India’s first such gold and a moment of immense pride for our country. Please keep up the effort, and look to greater glory at the Olympics #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 10, 2019

Exceptional achievement of an exceptional athlete!

Congratulations @DuteeChand for winning a hard earned and well deserved Gold in the Women’s 100 m finals.

You make India proud! #Universiade @FISU https://t.co/LVSkbsPZOP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2019

Congratulate ace #Odisha sprinter @DuteeChand on winning 100m gold at the ongoing World University Games, Naples. Wish her the best#Universiade

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 10, 2019

“I am happy to become the first girl ever to win gold for India in the World University Games. I dedicate this medal to my university KIIT, its founder Professor Samantaji, who has stood by me during my bad days, and the people of Odisha. I also thank CM Naveen Patnaik for all his support, my parents and my coach for their blessings,” Dutee said in her reaction.

Chand, a 100m national record holder and winner of two Asian Games silver medals, recently made headlines after she opened up about her homosexuality. She revealed that she is in a same-sex relationship with a girl from her hometown.