Champion sprinter comes out as gay after India strikes down ban

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand has become the country’s first openly gay athlete after revealing she’s in a same-sex relationship with her “soulmate.”

Chand, who is a member of India’s national track and field team, told The Indian Express on Sunday that she is seeing a woman from her rural village.

{mosads}“I have found someone who is my soulmate,” the 23-year-old athlete said. “I believe everyone should have the freedom to be with whoever they decide they want to be with. I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship.”

Chand’s announcement comes months after the country’s top court struck down its colonial-era ban on gay sex in a unanimous decision. Chand told the Express that she found the courage to speak out after the Indian Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in September.

“I have always believed that everyone should have the freedom to love. There is no greater emotion than love and it should not be denied,” she said. “I believe nobody has the right to judge me as an athlete because of my decision to be with who I want.”

Many have taken to social media to express their support for Chand and her decision to speak out. 

Breaking barriers of so many kinds with so much quiet dignity and courage #DuteeChand https://t.co/z1Yp6HldjP

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) May 19, 2019

“I have found someone who is my soulmate. I believe everyone should have the freedom to be with whoever they decide they want to be with.”

So happy for you, @DuteeChand. Keep being awesome! https://t.co/24GLZk6zBt

— Senthorun Raj ✨ (@senthorun) May 20, 2019

“I hope that everyone continues to support me on and off the track,” Chand told the Express. “It feels good that there is acceptance.”

Chand is currently training for the world championships and the 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo but said she “would like to settle down” with her partner in the future.