Dutee Chand

“I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship. It is an individual person's choice.”

“The World University Games Gold medal was a great confidence booster for me. It highlighted my talents, my performance and dedication.”

“Even through sports, I have been serving the country. But later, I want to join politics.”

“I've gone through a lot in my life, I have seen a lot of struggles and difficulties. I have braved it all and won medals for my country with my determination.”

“I know people started suspecting whether I was a woman or a man. All the honour I earned - I lost.”

“I come from a small village.”

“As a child, I used to laugh when my mother spanked me. No matter what she did, she could never get me to cry.”

“Gold medal always feels great. In fact, any appreciation or acknowledgement is a great morale booster.”

“The kids who take up athletics actually come from modest to poor backgrounds. They make it on their own steam; some of them don't even have the basic means like shoes and enough food to eat.”

“If any athlete is doing well, then it's the responsibility of the government to support the athlete.”

“Any recognition by the government for your performance and achievements always boosts the confidence of an athlete.”

“There is no greater emotion than love and it should not be denied.”

“Animals in the streets have tough lives, so it's up to all of us to speak out if we ever witness them being abused.”

“I am doing a lot of core training exercises to build and strengthen my body, spending more time in gym. I am also doing endurance training like repeating 300m, 350m races in a day. Then I also do repeat of 60m, 70m.”

“My parents used to struggle to put food on our plates. Whatever little money they got, we had to make do with it.”

“I want to be able to serve people. For that it's important that I'm with them, among them and working for them.”

“I am passionate to win and achieve something big for the country.”

“Athletics is not like cricket; we feed on the competition and that makes us bring out the best in us.”

“My elder sister Saraswati is my inspiration.”

“Didn't Virat Kohli fall in love and still perform? If he can, why can't I?”