On Sunday evening, the GBK stadium in Jakarta was abuzz as tens of thousands of fans gathered to watch the final of the Asian Games men's and women's 100-meter dash. It was an unforgettable night for India's Dutee Chand as the 22-year-old sprinter did something no one from her country had done in two decades.
Chand lined up for the final in the seventh lane. She was behind in the early stages before showing great ability by surging forward in the final stretch to finish second, just 0.02 seconds behind the gold medalist. Chand's silver is the first for India in the women's 100 meters since the 1998 Asian Games. "This is my first time at the Asian Games and I never thought about winning a silver. I am so happy and proud," Chand said.
India's Dutee Chand (L) competes in the final of the women's 100-meter athletics event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 26, 2018. /VCG Photo
In 2014, the Athletic Federation of India stated that Chand was ineligible to compete as a female during the Commonwealth Games and the following 2014 Asian Games because of her hyperandrogenism, a medical condition characterized by excessive levels of androgens or male sex hormones such as testosterone in the female body. Chand later appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport which in 2015 removed her suspension, clearing her to race again. Because there has been no suggestion that Chand has been involved in cheating or doping - the decision was made in compliance with International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations on "female hyperandrogenism" designed to address a perceived advantage for female athletes with high androgen levels.
"I came from a poor family of weavers. When I was a little girl I encountered a lot of obstacles and problems and sometimes it was hard just to find a place to train. But after going through so many things, I think I became stronger physically and mentally. I am confident I can conquer any difficulties," Chand said.
Dutee Chand (R) competes at the preliminary of women’s 100-meter dash during the 2016 Rio Olympics. /VCG Photo
The 22-year-old is the third Indian to ever qualify for the women's 100-meter event at the Summer Olympics after doing so for the 2016 Rio Games when she was 20, even though she did not advance. Chand is confident she will do better given another chance. "Right now I am just enjoying competing, but I think I will try to make history by winning a medal in Tokyo," Chad said.
The path to victory at the Olympics will be a difficult one for Chand, but that’s the only way the sprinter has even known.