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New Delhi: Indian sprinter Dutee Chand to win the Arjuna Award, more interestingly, she has become the first openly LGBT sportsperson to win this award. Dutee has spoken about her sexuality openly many times. In May last year, she had revealed that she was in a relationship with a woman from her village in Odisha. She revealed she faced backlash from her family and came out only after blackmail from her sister.
“One may fall in love anytime and with anyone. One does not decide that based on caste, religion or gender,” she said in an online interaction with US Consul General in Hyderabad Joel Reifman.
“My partner supported me every time and I have chosen her for my life. People may look at us differently or call us by any name like gay, lesbian etc. That does not matter so far as we get to spend our lives with each other,” she added.
“For all those who are in love, but afraid of the world you must show courage because the world has always taken time to accept all good things,” she said. “So please do not be afraid because it is your life and your happiness.”
The Sports Ministry on Friday confirmed that five athletes will receive the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award while 27 athletes will be conferred with the Arjuna Award on August 29 at the National Sports Awards ceremony.
Shuttler Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy, cricketer Ishant Sharma and shooter Manu Bhaker are among the 27 athletes who will be conferred with the Arjuna Award. Started in 1961, the award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a scroll.
