Dutee Chand is an accomplished Indian professional sprinter, renowned for her remarkable achievements in athletics, particularly in the women’s 100 metres event. Her career took off in 2013 when she became the first Indian sprinter to reach the finals of the 100m at a global youth athletics competition. This milestone was followed by her participation in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where she made history as the third Indian woman to qualify for the Women’s 100 metres event at the Olympics. In 2018, she clinched a silver medal in the women’s 100m at the Jakarta Asian Games, marking India’s first medal in this event since 1998.

Chand’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2014, she faced a significant setback when she was barred from international competition due to the IAAF’s Hyperandrogenism Regulations. However, she courageously challenged these regulations, leading to a landmark ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2015, which suspended the regulations for two years. This pivotal moment not only cleared her to compete again but also sparked a broader conversation about the inclusion of intersex athletes in women’s sports.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Dutee Chand has made headlines for being India’s first openly gay athlete, publicly discussing her same-sex relationship in 2019. This brave revelation came after the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized gay sex, empowering her to embrace her identity. Her openness has inspired many and highlighted the importance of acceptance in sports.

Throughout her career, Chand has continued to break records and achieve new heights. In 2019, she became the first Indian sprinter to win gold at the Universiade, clocking an impressive 11.32 seconds in the 100m race. As she prepares for her final competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Dutee Chand leaves behind a legacy of resilience, advocacy, and excellence in athletics, inspiring future generations of athletes.