Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
New Delhi, April 19
India’s sprint queen Dutee Chand has decided to stop participating in 200m at international level and focus entirely on 100m. The decision, taken in consultation with her coach Nagpuri Ramesh, has been taken to minimise injury risks and keep her fresh for next year’s Commonwealth and Asian Games.
The coach feels the decision will help Dutee improve her 100m timings. “We are focussing more on 100m at this stage,” said Ramesh. “Since the Rio Olympics, I’ve gone through some research and literature on the shape and size of human body. I’ve realised shorter the body size, more the frequency and speed. Dutee is short, her start is good and she is excellent in pacing the first part of a 100m race. She looks more confident and comfortable in 100m.”
The coach said Dutee’s inability to improve her 200m timings was another reason behind the decision. “If you want to be good in 200m, you have to clock not more than double of your 100m timings. Last year, she clocked 11.33s in 100m at the Federation Cup, but the timing in 200m was 23.41s. We tried hard to improve but it wasn’t happening. So we decided to discontinue her participation in the 200m events internationally,” he added.
Dutee will, however, continue to compete in both the events in domestic circuit. “At domestic level, she can continue participating in the both races. We will have the Indian GP in May, followed by the Federation Cup and the Asian Track and Field championships. In these events, she will compete in both the races,” he said.
