India’s sprint star Dutee Chand has revealed that she is in a same-sex relationship and has found her soulmate. Chand said that she is in a relationship with a girl from her hometown Chaka Gopalpur in Odisha.
Chand, India’s national record holder in 100m, is the first Indian sports person to acknowledge being in a same-sex relationship.
“I have found someone who is my soulmate,” 23-year-old Chand told The Indian Express. “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.”
Chand added that she did not want to reveal the identity of her partner as she didn't want her to become “the centre of undue attention”.
The Asian Games silver medallist said that after the Supreme Court's historic order to decriminalise Section 377, she gathered the courage to speak up for LGBT rights and about her relationship.
In September last year, the Supreme Court decriminalised the British-era law that criminalised same-sex relations between consenting adults. India is yet to recognise LGBT marriages.
“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,” Chand said.
In 2015, Chand successfully moved the Court of Arbitration for Sports against the International Association of Athletics Federation for its rule on hyperandrogenism, prohibiting athletes with high testosterone level to compete in track and field events.
