Dutee on Winning the ‘Gender Case’, Purnima Questions Odisha Govt

Watch India’s track and field athletes Dutee Chand, Purnima Hembram and Jauna Murmu speak about the Asian Games.

Dutee Chand and Purnima Hembram speak to the media about the upcoming Asian Games.

(Photo: ANI)

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

India’s track and field athletes Dutee Chand, Purnima Hembram and Jauna Murmu are all set for the Asian Games, which begins on 18 August in Indonesia.

The Asian Championships bronze medallist Dutee Chand said that she is very happy to take part in a big event after winning the case in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Chand had higher-than-usual levels of testosterone and therefore was in danger of not being allowed to compete.

I’ve been selected for the 100 & 200 m events. This is the first time I’ll be taking part in the senior Asian Games. I was selected for the 2014 Asiad as well. But I was left out due to hyperandrogenism. Then, I fought the landmark case in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). I’m participating in an event for the first time after winning the case. Therefore, I am very happy.

Dutee Chand

Purnima Hembram, who will take part in the Heptathlon Event, said that the Odisha government hasn’t given her any financial assistance for the Asian Games.

The government gave me a letter regarding financial support. But I haven’t received any help. I feel the Odisha government treats the athletes unfairly. There are different rules for different athletes. The rules should be same for all athletes otherwise they should stop helping all athletes. No one will mind that.

Purnima Hembram