Rasulpur: Double bronze medal winner at the recently-concluded 22nd Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar, Dutee Chand received a rapturous welcome when she returned to her roots, her village, Chhaka Gopalpur in Jajpur district, Tuesday.
Blowing of conch shells, garlanding the athlete and her coach Nagapuri Ramesh, and showering her with flower petals at every possible juncture, marked Dutee’s triumphant return to her birthplace.
Dutee visited a number of important places in the village including her own residence and the village panchayat office. Schoolchildren lined up the streets and also presented bouquets to the Oriya sprinter at a number of places. A visibly overwhelmed Ramesh said, “It feels wonderful to be feted in this fashion. We were expecting it, but we never thought it would be on such a large scale.”
Gopalpur sarpanch Chintamani Sura expressed his joy and happiness for Dutee’s success. “I’m happy for her. Her success has been inspirational. We are now on the lookout for promising talents in the area like Dutee. If we get anyone, we will certainly lend our support,” said Sura.
“Dutee is no more the just daughter of Gopalpur. She has given Gopalpur world recognition,” said another villager Santosh Das.
Dutee’s school teacher at Prathamakhandi Primary School, Pratima Panda also could not hide her joy. “Many students of this school have developed successful and brilliant careers. But none have been able to achieve what Dutee has done. It is really a proud moment for me as well as all the students of the school,” she stated.
Dutee’s sister Saraswati also expressed her happiness and said, “This is not only her, but the success of all who have contributed to her growth. Without their help Dutee wouldn’t have been where she is today,” said Saraswati.
Dutee’s mother however, remained a bit tense. When asked why she looked a bit ruffled, she explained that it is because of the ‘Androgen’ controversy which is continuously chasing her daughter. “The state and central government sports ministry should step in and help Dutee on this issue,” stated Dutee’s mom Akhuji.
BDO absent
Block officials of Gopalpur village remained conspicuous by their absence during Dutee’s visit to her native place Tuesday. Sources said that sarpanch Chintamani Sura had invited BDO Ashok Kumar Beuria who failed to turn up. Beuria, however, feigned ignorance and said that he was not aware about Dutee’s visit and also had not received any invitation.