Bhubaneswar: International sprinter from Odisha Dutee Chand has expressed her desire to make a foray into politics after retiring from competitive athletics.
The Olympian sprinter says her long-term goal is to play a significant role in public service and development of sports. Politics is the appropriate forum through which one will be achieve this goal.
Emphasising that public service requires resources and public engagement, the noted athlete told a loca
l news channel that she has been taking keen interest in politics since her childhood.
Recalling that her mother is a two-time former sarpanch, Dutee Chand said her mother wanted to become an MLA and it will be appropriate for her to make a sincere effort to fulfil her (mother’s) dream.
Dutee Chand, however, made it clear that she would never leave the track while she is actively competing as athletics is her profession and passion through which she has carved her special identity. However, a sports career does not last forever and after retirement, she would dedicate her life to serving people through political engagement.
Stating that she is yet to think about her political affiliation, she would like to join a party committed to the development of Odisha. Dutee Chand further indicated that she may choose Bari in Jajpur district as her political turf.