The ace sprinter, Dutee Chand has made India proud time and time again. Recently, she broke her own record as the fastest woman in the country. Not too long ago, Dutee proudly come out as gay and became the first sportsperson to do so in India! Isn’t that commendable?
Now, Dutee Chand figures in the list of ‘Time 100 Next’, the first such list brought out by the magazine as part of the ongoing flagship TIME 100 list. The list figures 100 rising stars from various fields like business, music, entertainment, sports, politics, science, health, etc.
Elated by the news, Chand tweeted a picture of herself with #loveislove. Our hearts are so full looking at this.
According to the Times of India, the athlete was quoted saying, “I feel really humbled and honoured with this recognition. It will inspire me further to do better in my pursuit both on and off the field and will strengthen my belief in hard work and gender equality.”
She further added, “When you get such recognition after so much of struggle in life, it really means a lot. I will continue my fight for the rights of young girls and women in sports as well as in society at large.”
The Time Magazine has written about her struggles and her achievements and is applauding her strength.
“On the track, Dutee Chand sprints. Off the track, she fights. The 100-m runner from India is preparing to make her second Olympic appearance, in 2020 in Tokyo. In July, she became the first Indian sprinter to win the 100-m at the World University Games. But back in 2014, Chand was effectively banned from competition because of her high natural testosterone levels; she appealed the verdict and won a precedent-setting case. This year, Chand announced she was in a same-sex relationship, making her the first openly gay athlete in India’s history. For a country that decriminalized homosexuality just a year ago, Chand’s revelation was a notable step forward”, writes the magazine.
We are lauding Dutee Chand’s spirit. You’re making this country a better place for young girls and a more inclusive society to live in. Thank you.
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