Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, July 12:

Ace sprinter Dutee Chand was today accorded a rousing welcome at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Odisha capital upon her arrival from New Delhi.

shrabani dutee

The athlete, who has qualified for Rio Olympics in the 100 m event, was garlanded at the airport by sports associations and fans.

Earlier in the day, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan felicitated Dutee Chand and Shrabani Nanda at a function held at his official residence in New Delhi. Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel and Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav were present on the occasion.

“It is a matter of pride for us that Dutee Chand and Shrabani Nanda have crossed the international benchmark in 100 m and 200 m respectively to qualify for the Rio Olympics. They will be representing India by virtue of hard work and talent and not quota system. The blessings of Lord Jagannath and 125 crore Indians are behind them. We are confident that the duo will win gold medals in their respective events and bring laurels for the state as well as the country,” Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told media.

Pradhan further said that he came to know from Sports Department officials that earlier India used to send Olympic contingent depending on quota in various categories. However, these two athletes have qualified for the grandest sporting event breaching the international benchmark.

It may be mentioned here that Dutee has qualified for the 100 m event after a hiatus of 36 years after PT Usha.