New Delhi: Ace Indian sprinter Dutee Chand said here Thursday that the qualification mark of 11.15 seconds for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 100m is very difficult and it will require a monumental effort from her in order to breach that and qualify.
Dutee Chand clocked 11.32 seconds July 10, to clinch the gold at the World University Games in Naples, thus becoming only the second Indian sprinter to win a gold medal in an international event after Hima Das. The Assamese had finished on top in the 400m at the World Junior Athletics Championships last year. With the feat, Dutee Chand also became the first Indian ever to win the yellow metal in the 100m event at a global meet.
However, she is still 0.17 seconds behind the qualification mark for the Tokyo Games and in order to qualify, she will have to better her career best of 11.24 seconds.
“I was very happy with my performance at the World University Games where I won the gold medal. I learnt a lot and it was a wonderful experience for me,” Dutee told this agency.
“However, the qualification mark for the Olympics of 11.15 seconds is very difficult. No Indian athlete has ever achieved that. Even, my personal best is 11.24 seconds. Despite that, I will try my best to achieve the qualification mark in order to represent India at the Tokyo Olympics,” added the Odia sprinter.
Speaking about the upcoming World Championships September 27-October 6, Dutee said she is looking forward to the event. “My preparations for the upcoming World Championships are going pretty well. I am working 5-6 hours daily along with my coaches and teammates,” the sprinter informed.
The 23-year-old also expressed disappointed after her nomination for Arjuna Award got rejected. “Arjuna award means a lot to each and every player. I have been performing since 2013. I have won many medals in competitions like Asian Games, World Championships and Asian Championships. I won the medal in World Universiade Games as well,” Dutee pointed out.
“According to the rule, any athlete who performs well over a period of three years gets an Arjuna. That’s why I had applied. But because of the general elections, my application was delayed and hence it was rejected,” she added.
The national champion further urged the government to reconsider her application for the award. “Or else, I will apply again next year,” Dutee stated.
IANS