Dutee Chand, ace athlete of India and silver medallist in Asian Games 2018, has revealed that she has found her soulmate and is in a same-sex relationship.
Dutee, who hails from Odisha and is the record holder in 100m sprint in India, told Indian Express, “I have found someone who is my soulmate. I believe everyone should have the freedom to be with whoever they decide they want to be with. I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship. It is an individual person’s choice. Currently, my focus is on the World Championships and the Olympic Games but in the future I would like to settle down with her.”
Dutee said that she gathered the courage to talk about her relationship and LGBT rights after the 2019 judgement of the Supreme Court that legalised homosexuality in the country. “I have always believed that everyone should have the freedom to love. There is no greater emotion than love and it should not be denied. The Supreme Court of India has also struck down the old law. I believe nobody has the right to judge me as an athlete because of my decision to be with who I want. It is a personal decision, which should be respected. I will continue to strive to win medals for India at international meets.”