**Bhubaneswar:** On Sunday (August 26) at 7:40 pm, millions of Indians were glued to their television sets to witness history after 32 years. The moment when ace sprinter Dutee Chand’s foot touched the finishing line during woman’s 100m race in Asian Games, Indians cheered loudly and their eyes glistened with joy, as Chand followed P.T Usha’s suit after almost three decades to clinch a silver medal for India.
However, the story in households of Odisha was different. Odisha citizens were happy for sure, but the emotion that took the centre-stage was ‘pride’. Odisha was proud of the fact that Dutee was from this state. Odisha was proud of the fact Dutee’s feat meant recognition of this heritage state in an international level. Odisha was proud of the fact that Dutee’s achievements had opened new doors for Odia youngsters who dared to dream.
OMMCOM NEWS tried to find out more about this sentiment from Government College of Physical Education in the capital city, where Dutee had once trained herself before going on to compete at the international level.
Sharing her personal experience, one Manisha Behera said, “I know her personally. She is a gem of a person. I have practiced with her and I have seen her performance live. Her achievement is not a surprise as she is hardworking and dedicated. I pray that she does well in the finals of women’s 200m that is scheduled for tomorrow. Best of luck Dutee Chand Didi.”
Another Bibhuti Bhushan Swain said, “The silver medal in Women’s 100m is news of absolute glory for Odisha. I feel proud that a Odia girl has shown her capability and such remarkable performance at an international level. We all pray for her success in the next level and we hope that she continues to hold Odisha’s name high worldwide.”
Jyoti Ranjan Mallik said, “She has proved that she is the daughter of Odisha’s soil. Her achievements are opening up new avenues for upcoming athletes and now we can dare to see new dreams. Saying that she is an inspiration will be an understatement. I pray to God that she achieves the best in her life.”
Wishing her luck for the women’s 200m final in Asian Games that is scheduled on August 29, one Balaraj Sahani, “Best of luck Dutee Chand. I hope you flourish in your sporting feats and reach new heights. I know with certainty that you will continue to make India proud in the future as well.”
A student Sasmita Routray said, “I would like to convey best wishes to Dutee Chand from all of Odisha. I would also like to convey best wishes from the staff and students of the Government College here. A hearty congratulations and best of luck for 200m finals.”
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already announced Rs 1.5 crore for Dutee Chand’s outstanding feat.
Dutee came first in women’s 200m semifinal-1 with her personal best track timing of 23 seconds today evening.
Meanwhile, the whole of Odisha waits with bated breath for Dutee’s sprint in women’s 200m final that is scheduled for tomorrow.
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