Dutee Chand aims to qualify for Olympics at Khelo India University Games

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand has made it official that she is going to represent her university Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in the Khelo India University Games starting 22 February.

"Yes, I will sprint for my University (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology) next week," Chand said in a statement as reported ANI

Khelo India games will be held from 22 February to 1 March in Bhubaneswar. Universiad gold medalist said that her focus will be on performing well at the games and reaching the qualifying time for the Olympics.

"I may make the grade on the strength of my world ranking (currently No. 54 in 100m and No. 43 in 200m) but I really want to make it to the Olympic Games by achieving the qualification standard. To improve my ranking, I will need to compete in some quality events and, for some reason or the other, that has not happened," she said, returning to her intense workout at the Kalinga Stadium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first edition of Khelo India University Games on 22 February. As many as 3400 athletes from 159 universities across the country have been given entries in 17 disciplines namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby, and kabaddi.