Sprinter Dutee Chand, who won a bronze and two silver in the first three legs of the Asian Grand Prix last week, is targeting the 100m qualifying mark (11.26s) for the World championships later this year.
The 20-year-old, competing in the international circuit for the first time after the Rio Olympics where she was the first Indian woman to qualify in the 100m, clocked 11.59 to bag bronze in the first-leg and then improved with a 11.57 to clinch a silver in China. Then, she bagged another silver in the Chinese Taipei leg with a 11.52s.
“It is always tough to come back to such a competitive circuit after a long, off-season when the demands are naturally very high both in terms of training and setting new standards,” said Dutee in a chat with The Hindu .
“It is a wonderful feeling to win three medals in the Asian Grand Prix series and a huge morale-booster too,” said the dimunitive athlete, training under SAI coach Nagapuri Ramesh at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Gachibowli here.
“Winning these medals should spur me to come up with improved timings in the coming events which include the Grand Prix in Bengaluru, Federation Cup and the Asian Track and Field meet in July,” reminded Dutee.
“I don’t think I had to make any big changes in the training methods. With Ramesh sir taking care of every minute aspect of my programme, all that I needed to do was focus on improving my timings,” she said.
Ramesh insisted the major difference in training now is the ABC running drills. “Earlier, we were focussing up to 40m and now 100m. This is helping Dutee a lot,” he said.
“To win three medals at the Asian level after a long off-season is not a joke. It is really challenging on all fronts. The only event she took part after Rio was in the Birmingham indoor meet. I feel she should compete in more such events in future,” explained the Dronacharya awardee.
“We have a hectic season ahead and the ultimate target this season would be to make it to the World championship. Having recorded 11.24 last year, I am sure she can meet it. The best part is she is committed, determined and has that unbridled zeal to keep improving,” pointed out Ramesh.
