Odisha CM Announces Rs 1.5 Cr Cash Reward For Dutee; Hopes High For Another Medal

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced announced a cash reward of Rs 1.5 crore for Dutee Chand, who won a silver in the women’s 100m final at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia the previous day.

It is in recognition of her grit, determination and hard work, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement.

The Odisha Athletic Association had earlier declared Rs 50,000 cash award for Dutee.

Dutee finished second with a timing of 11.32 seconds in the 100-metre event on Sunday night. She missed the gold to Edidiong Odiong of Bahrain by 0.02 seconds.

This is the second time that an Odisha sprinter has won a medal in the women’s track and field event in the Asian Games. In the 13^th Asian Games in Bangkok in 1998, Rachita Panda had won a bronze in the 100-metre sprint clocking 11.41 seconds.

People of Jajpur district’s Chaka Gopalpur, the native place of Dutee, are overwhelmed after her success.

Her family members have set their hopes high for another medal. Dutee’s father and her sister Saraswati Chand expressed happiness and hoped for her success in 200-metre event, qualification and semi-final rounds of which are slated for August 28.

Dutee’s mother Akhaji Chand said, “I am very happy for my daughter and have been praying for her success in the Asian Games. I had also lit an ‘Akhanda Dipa’ for her. I wish she wins a gold medal in the Olympics.”

Her sister Saraswati Chand said, “Our village people are very happy. I hope she continues her winning streak in the future events.”

“Though short in height, her frequency in running is very good. She will win laurels world over one day,” said Ananta Das, a villager.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also congratulated Dutee for her splendid performance at the ongoing Asian Games in Jakarta.