'Arjuna award would motivate me to breach Olympic qualification mark': Dutee Chand

Her personal best is t yet eugh to make cut for Tokyo Games but India's top sprinter Dutee Chand says her selection for Arjuna award has come at right time as it would motivate her to breach "difficult" Olympic qualification mark.

24-year-old Dutee, silver medallist in both 100m and 200m in 2018 Asian Games, was on Friday selected for hour along with 26 ors.

She has a personal best of 11.22 seconds which she recorded last year.

Dutee featured in Rio Olympics by breaching qualifying standard of 11.32 seconds but this time mark is 11.15 seconds.

" Award has come at right time. Any recognition by government for your performance and achievements always boosts confidence of an athlete," Dutee told PTI from Bhubaneswar.

"This should give me more strength and confidence in my efforts to do well in Olympics. I hope to qualify for my second Olympics in Tokyo next year and do my best re," she ded.

"It will be tough (to breach 11.15 secs) but I am confident to breach it. This award will give me boost in my efforts."

Dutee, also reigning World University Games 100m champion, said she does t mind missing out on receiving award from President Ram Nath Kovind as ceremony will be held online on August 29 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

"An award or an hour from government is always welcomed any time. Of course, it would be have been a great occasion to receive award from president in a (physical) ceremony. But it is all right, I am happy that I have been chosen for award," she said.

"My achievements through hard work have been recognised by government, that is more important thing."

Dutee is keenly waiting to start full-intensity training which she could t undertake currently due to coronavirus-forced restrictions.

"I don't have a physio, masseur currently, y cant be here due to pandemic. My coach (N Ramesh) can only tell through whatsapp video what I have to do. But that is t eugh," said Dutee who is currently training at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Techlogy.

"I don't think any athlete can do intensive training till pandemic is re and unless restrictions are removed. I really want to start full-fledged training. I don't kw when will it happen.

Im Credits: PTI