India's ace sprinter Dutee Chand stirred up controversy when she took to her official Facebook account, saying that she was putting her car on sale as she needs fund to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics next year. The post went viral and made headlines before it was eventually deleted.
Former tennis player Somdev Devvarman shared the story on his Twitter handle and his post read: "When our athletes win, it's almost always despite the system, not because of it."
However, sports minister Kiren Rijiju has now said that he already has had a discussion with the sprinter and that she is 'fine'. He also said that inaccurate reporting can create 'wrong impressions'.
"I agree 100%. But in this case I already had discussion with Dutee Chand and she is fine. She'll let me know if she needs additional help. Inaccurate reportings can create wrong impressions about our genuine efforts," wrote Rijiju.
Earlier, Parth Jindal, whose Indian Institute of Sports sponsors many Indian athletes, took note of this post from Devvarman and wrote: "Complete nonsense -- we have offered to support her so many times at IIS. The offer is still wide open."
Devvarman then replied as saying: "I can't speak on how and why she spent her money or funds. I don't know her personal situation. I feel it would be best of all go Govt. funds and prize money were transparent. The larger point I was trying to make is that most athletes make it despite the system. Still stand by that."
Dutee had earlier told IANS that she had spent a fortune on her training for Tokyo Olympics, before it was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic.
"I had started my Olympic training in October last year. I had set-up a team to help me with my training -- from coach, fitness trainer, physio and running partner. From October to February I had spent 30 lakh on my training," Dutee had said.
(With inputs from IANS)
