Indian sprint sensation Dutee Chand stunned athletics fans by breaking the national women’s 100-meter record with a blazing time of 11.15 seconds at the 2025 National Athletics Championships held in Kolkata. This phenomenal performance secured her qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career and Indian track and field history.

Dutee’s explosive start and flawless running technique helped her outpace strong competitors, including emerging talent Hima Das and veteran Mandeep Kaur, reaffirming her status as India’s premier sprinter.

Record-Breaking Run

The race, held in challenging humid conditions, saw Dutee surge ahead in the final 30 meters, finishing well ahead of the pack. Her previous record of 11.26 seconds, set in 2018, was shattered by an impressive margin, sending ripples through the athletics community.

Speaking after her victory, Dutee said, “Breaking the record is a dream come true. Qualifying for Paris is my next big goal, and I am more motivated than ever.”

Journey and Training

Dutee’s journey has been one of perseverance and resilience. Coming from a small town in Odisha, she has overcome social and financial hurdles, becoming a symbol of hope for aspiring athletes.

Her training under coach AD Singh at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center focuses on improving her speed endurance, reaction time, and strength. She has also been part of international training camps in Europe to gain exposure to world-class competition.

National Response and Support

Dutee’s record-breaking feat has been widely celebrated across India. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced increased funding for her training and participation in global meets. The Sports Ministry pledged ₹1 crore as a reward and promised to upgrade her support team.

Social media buzzed with congratulatory messages under hashtags like #DuteeBreaksRecord and #ParisBoundDutee. Many young athletes view her as an inspiration for breaking barriers and achieving excellence.

Looking Forward

With Paris 2024 approaching, Dutee plans to participate in key international meets, including the Diamond League circuit and the World Athletics Championships 2025, to fine-tune her form.

Her focus will be on improving her start and maintaining top speed throughout the race, aiming to challenge the world’s best sprinters.

Conclusion

Dutee Chand’s record-breaking run is a shining example of determination and talent. Her journey from a small village to the global athletics stage inspires millions, promising a bright future for Indian sprinting.