Ace sprinter Dutee Chand has come out open on being in a same-sex relationship with her 'soulmate.' She is the current 100 metres national champion and has won several accolades for the country at the highest level. The 2018 Asian Games silver medalist is the first Indian sports star to publicly admit to being in a same-sex relationship.

The 23-year-old, who bagged two silver medals at 2018 Asian Games, said she has always supported the rights of the people who want to be in a same-sex relationship. Dutee revealed that she is in a relationship with a girl from her hometown Chaka Gopalpur in Odisha without revealing the identity of her partner to avoid "undue attention."

"I have found someone who is my soul mate. 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. It is an individual person's choice. Currently, my focus is on the World Championships and the Olympic Games but in the future, I would like to settle down with her," Dutee told The Sunday Express.

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LGBT marriages are still not legal in India but there is no law which prohibits same-sex relationships. In September last year, the Supreme Court in a historic verdict had decriminalized Section 377 which criminalized same-sex relationships. Dutee said the verdict provided her with the courage to open up. She said her decision should be respected while adding that she will continue to work hard and win more medals for India.