Sakyasen Mittra
Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: Relieved, but not fully. That in a nutshell is Dutee Chand’s mental condition after learning that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne has given her provisional permission to participate in national events.
Dutee got the information from her elder sister Saraswati who in turn had been informed by Orissa Post. “This is the happiest news we have got in a long time,” Saraswati had gushed out before hanging up as she was in a hurry to call Dutee.
The former national 100 metres and 200 metres champion Dutee when contacted over the phone informed that she is currently in Mumbai for Railway examinations.
“Yes, definitely, this is an important development in case,” stated Dutee. “But then how can I say that I am very happy till the time I am permitted to run in national as well as international events. I hope that it happens quickly. Frankly speaking I am tired of sitting idle… I am training, but I just want to get back into competition once more.”
In spite of all hindrances, Dutee has been training in NIS Patiala for the past few months. She is candid enough when she stated that she is working hard, but not being able to judge herself as she is not participating in any competitive meet. “Competitions are the best way to judge yourself, that has been taken away from me,” stated the Orissa girl with emotion choking her voice.
But yes, she is thankful to SAI and all others who have stood behind her in these troubled times. “I will go home for a couple of days before I return to Patiala. I just don’t want to relax my training schedule,” she signed off.
