PITIABLE PLIGHT OF INDIAN ATHLETES: Training with worn-out shoes, Rio-bound sprinter Dutee Chand pleads for new pair

New Delhi: Days ahead of 2016 Rio Olympics, hard realities of Indian athletes surfaced with sprint hope Dutee Chand pleading for a new pair runnins shoes.

Chand, 20, qualified for the 100m sprint, becoming the first Indian women to do in 36 years. However, the athlete from Odisha has been training with worn-out shoes.

"I would definitely try to win a gold medal at the Rio Olympics. But my main concern is to acquire a new pair of spike shoes, as mine are worn out," she told IANS.

"The running shoes are quite expensive, and I request the state government to provide a set of tracksuit and a pair of running shoes so that I could give my best performance," Dutee added.

Dutee broke the National 100m record twice in one day after on last month clocking 11.24 at the XVI International Meeting in Almaty, and her personal best time of 11.24 seconds earned a ticket to Rio.

"I feel sad when I ask for help from the government. I have brought laurels to the state and the country. Then why should I request for help? I feel like a beggar. The government should provide assistance on its own, but I have to beg before it," she rued.

(With Agency inputs)