In a good news to the sports lovers across Odisha, the ‘Sprint Queen’ of India, Dutee Chand has qualified for Tokyo Olympics in both 100m and 200m races via World Rankings route.
The ace sprinter broke her own 100m national record, clocking 11.17 seconds at the Indian Grand Prix 4 in Patiala last week but missed the automatic Olympic qualification time by 0.02 seconds.
However, according to reports, she got the ticket for the mega sporting event on the basis of her current World Ranking. While Dutee is presently ranked 44th in the world in 100m, in 200m she is on the 51st spot.
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“The cut-off date for Tokyo Olympics was today and only 56 participants are allowed for the sprint events. Though I am yet to get any official confirmation, I am sure that I must be selected for Tokyo Olympics,” said Dutee.
“I was hopeful of securing a berth in Tokyo Olympics. I have been toiling hard for the grand event for the last four years. Now my dream has come true. My performance has been consistent for the last two years. I am confident of a good show in the event,” said Dutee.
It is worth mentioning that Odisha Sports Department on Tuesday recommended the name of Dutee for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award which is the highest sporting honour of India.
The 25-year-old Dutee, who won a silver each in the 100m and 200m events in the 2018 Asian Games, was conferred with the Arjuna Award last year.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated Dutee for her feat.
“I join the country in wishing her the best for a podium finish in both 100m and 200m races. Let us all cheer for Dutee, let us all cheer for India,” tweeted pradhan.
(Edited by Suryakant Jena)