India lauds Dutee Chand’s historic performance at World Universiade

Ace sprinter Dutee Chand created history by becoming the first Indian to clinch gold in a global meet 100-metre race when she won her race at the World Universiade in Naples, Italy on 10th July.

Chand was quick off the blocks running from lane number 4, getting a good lead over her opponents from the beginning. She successfully managed to then defend that lead for the rest of the race, fending off a late challenge by Swiss sprinter Ajla Del Ponte to claim the gold medal.

Chand finished with a time of 11.32 seconds, which is her second best-ever finish in a 100-metre race after setting the national record at 11.26 seconds.

Following her spectacular achievement, the President and Prime Minister of India tweeted in appreciation of the 23-year-old, alongside several other noteworthy dignitaries.

Chand is only the second Indian track and field athlete to win a gold at the World Universiade after Inderjeet Singh did so in the men’s shot put event in 2015.

She is also the second sprinter to win a gold medal in a global event behind Assam’s Hima Das who did so at the IAAF World U-20 Championships in Tampere in 2018.

With #1YearToGo for Tokyo 2020, Chand’s historic achievements will prove to be a boost not only to her own efforts but will also inspire the rest of the Indian hopefuls to prepare well for the Games.