Sprint queen Dutee Chand and her famous coach N Ramesh received a grand welcome at Gopalpur of Jajpur district on Tuesday.
Dutee thanked her elder sister Saraswati, a noted sprinter, parents and coach for their contribution to her success. Before she and her coach had headed for her village Gopalpur, they were welcomed at Chandikhol, Panikoili, Jaraka and other places.
A huge crowd of youngsters, general public and Dutee’s family members and relatives gathered at the main entrance of Gopalpur to receive her and her coach. All residents had come out to greet the pride of the village. Women welcomed them with traditional Aarati.
“We knew she excelled in her sport and was winning many events. But we did not foresee she would scale this great height,” said Abanti Behera, a villager.
Her mother Akhuji, who hugged and kissed her daughter on her arrival, recollected the days when she was staying in a for-roomed thatched house in the village with her seven children, including Dutee.
“Weaving had affected my health. My daughter showed extraordinary strength to overcome odds,” Akhuji said, tears of joy and pride welling up in her eyes.
Coach Ramesh said, “Dutee has every chance to win a medal in the next Olympics. We will scout many kids who are interested to be sprinters.”
“My coach is just like God for me. He works hard for my achievements,” said Dutee.