Personal Agenda with Dutee Chand: The decriminalisation of same sex relationships gave me the strength to come out

Athlete Dutee Chand says that her partner motivates her a lot and takes care of her.

Who has been your biggest inspiration to be an athlete?

My elder sister Saraswati, who is also an athlete.

Name one other sport you love.

Diving. I am a trained long diver.

What’s the best part about the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships?

The strength it gave me to come out. I’m thankful!

Who has been your biggest support in this journey?

My friends and the media. My family has still not accepted me, though, but I have supportive friends.

And what’s the best thing about your partner?

She motivates me a lot and always takes care of me whenever I go back to my village.

Which sport-inspired movies have you enjoyed watching?

Besides a few I have seen in regional languages, I have enjoyed Dangal (2016), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

and Soorma (2018).

Are you a romantic or a realist?

A realist.

What’s the biggest risk you have taken?

When I decided to come out and talk openly about my relationship.

Twitter or Instagram, what’s your preferred social media platform?

Fitness for you is…?

Life.

A piece of advice you want to give young girls...?

Dream big and strive to fulfil your dreams.

Follow @VeenuSingh12 on Twitter

From HT Brunch, October 6, 2019

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