The entire country drowned in distress as India failed to reach the finals after losing to New Zealand in semis in the ICC World Cup 2019. From Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi to Lata Mangeshkar and Anupam Kher, all big names shared encouraging words for Men in Blue and entire India on social media.
But there was one more special person, sprinter Dutee Chand whose historic win gave India a reason to celebrate and forget its unexpected loss.
Dutee Chand Wins Gold In World Universiade
National record holder sprinter Dutee Chand became the first Indian woman athlete on the track and on-field to win a gold medal in the World Universiade after winning 100m dash event in Naples, Italy. The 23-YO Indian sprinter clocked 11.32 seconds to finish the race and win the gold while running at lane number 4. She was ahead right from the start and overcame a late challenge from Switzerland’s Ajla Del Ponte who clocked 11.33.
With this record Chand who has been facing tough times in personal life since some time now is the second Indian sprinter to clinch a gold medal at a global event. Last year sprinter Hima Das won the 400m World Junior Athletics Championships marking India’s presence at such global events.
Dutee Chand – First Openly Gay Athlete
In May this year, Dutee Chand became the first Indian athlete to openly accept her gay status. She said, “I have found someone who is my soulmate. I believe everyone should have the freedom to be with whoever they decide they want to be with. I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship. It is an individual person’s choice.” Unfortunately, Chand was forced by the threats from her sister who disapproved of her relationship and was blackmailing her to open her secret to the public.
This sudden revelation although received appreciation from a few, many relatives and neighbors from her village in Odisha taunted and backlashed her. However, Chand stood to her grounds and refused to back down.
She was forced to undergo a humiliating gender test after Chand showed signs of hyperandrogenism. Chand fought and won this battle legally. The win this week has certainly brought a new light of happiness for Chand as well as for Indians who were saddened by the loss at ICC World Cup 2019.
