Government bid to help athlete

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha government on Thursday sent two women coaches to Sports Authority of India (SAI), Bangalore, to take stock of the situation, leading to sprinter Dutee Chand being pulled out from Commonwealth Games (CWG) squad. The two coaches, Rupanwita Panda and Usha Mohanty, would meet SAI authorities and discuss chances about her competing in the games.
"We have received no communication from Athletics Federation of India in this regard.The coaches will speak to Dutee and SAI authorities. If Dutee's chances of inclusion in CWG squad is remote then the coaches will return with her," said sports secretary Saswat Mishra.
In a press release SAI had said, "The athlete is not fit for participation in a female event due to female hyperandrogenism. The athlete will still be able to compete in the female category in future if she takes proper medical help and lowers her androgen level to the specified range. Meanwhile, she will not be allowed to compete in the female category."
Dutees name was excluded from the CWG Squad on Tuesday a few hours after she was selected for women's 4X100 m relay team.
Reacting to the series of events, an upset Chand said, "This is very unfortunate. Had the medical tests been conducted earlier, I could have got myself treated and participated in the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow. If my state takes steps to lower my androgen level, I can again play for in international events and bring laurels for the country."