One day, they told me that due to hyperandrogenism, I cannot compete. I appealed and fought it and came back to win for the country. Coming out was easier than that.

When I came out, initially, I faced some mocking. For the first 10-15 days, sometimes when I was out in public, people would shout things like 'lesbian.'

When I won medals, I think I was doing something for my employers also. I am making them proud.

I don't have the resources to maintain luxury cars, though I love them.

It is not written anywhere that one cannot join politics while playing. There were instances of several successful sportsperson who have excelled in politics, sports and business at the same time.

The Khelo India University Games is a great way to unearth talent in this country.

People study and play sports side by side. So, most of the talent exists in schools and universities.

The Odisha government is supporting the sports circuit very well. Athletes are getting jobs in the government sector and they are providing facilities for all athletes to perform as well.

Athletes from rural areas are getting a chance to showcase their talent through the Khelo India Games.

In 100m, the timings fluctuate.

Even through sports, I have been serving the country. But later, I want to join politics.

All bodies can't be same, my body will react differently tours.

Look, there's no proof that athletes like us who may have higher testosterone levels are benefiting from this natural human body trait.

Follow your heart, and don't be subservient to anyone. Shut out the world, and only listen to your heart to fulfill your dreams.

I don't really follow any sportspersons, to be honest. However, I'm a fan of Usain Bolt and follow him on social media.

In my village, people believed that women should stay in their homes. However, I followed my heart and showed them that I'll not succumb to their regressive ideals.

Sports is my life, and I live for it.

I know people started suspecting whether I was a woman or a man. All the honour I earned - I lost.

I am a normal girl.

My whole life has been about fighting for what I want, what I believe in.

Success comes but with time. People want to achieve things very quickly; they are not patient.

When I was a kid, I dreamt of being a runner. My mother and father always told me to go after what I wanted. I went after running.

My God showed me that I had the ability to make my family and my country proud. That's why I concentrated on sports and worked hard.

I come from a poor background, I've seen struggle. Money will come and go, but I will continue to be grounded.

I am passionate to win and achieve something big for the country.

Participation in international events has given me a lot of experience.

When I participated in Rio Olympics in 2016, I failed to grab a medal. But it was a learning experience.

The World University Games Gold medal was a great confidence booster for me. It highlighted my talents, my performance and dedication.

Gold medal always feels great. In fact, any appreciation or acknowledgement is a great morale booster.

The more medals I win, the more my ambitions and confidence levels increase.

My sister was an athlete. Every time she came home during her break, I would accompany her. Initially, I took part in school sports, but gradually, my sister encouraged me to take it up professionally.

My parents are weavers. They worked very hard to give us our daily food.

When my elder sister decided to pursue sports, she faced a lot of music at home. We didn't have a TV in our village, so no one understood the value of sports. But my sister convinced my parents that participating in sports would mean a secure job in the government.

I used to run barefoot, wearing a frock. During the rains, I used to run on stones and puddles.

I really value and appreciate Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju's contribution in spearheading the historic judgement of decriminalisation of Section 377 in India. Their relentless efforts and fight against the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ community in India was a ray of hope for many of us.

Freedom to love and freedom to choose who you love are one's basic rights and we shouldn't be scared to exercise them.

For somebody like me, who has trained barefoot in a small village in Odisha, I know training without proper facilities can be extremely difficult. Having experienced it all, I would like to give back to my community by creating a running academy for children.

We all have the right to be happy and to love someone without any inhibitions.

I have always supported the rights of those who want to be in a same-sex relationship. It is an individual person's choice.

I believe nobody has the right to judge me as an athlete because of my decision to be with who I want. It is a personal decision, which should be respected.

It wasn't an easy journey to participating in the Olympics. It has taken me 14 years of training and hard work.

I have watched a documentary on Caster Semenya. I am inspired by how she made a comeback.

When I am on the track, I get the greatest joy by running the fastest.

My story is very long. And for somebody to write a good story, one needs a good writer, too.

Didn't Virat Kohli fall in love and still perform? If he can, why can't I?

There are some athletes who don't like me.

The quality of competitors abroad really pushes your timings, something that's tough to replicate in the country.

When a person sets out to achieve something, one doesn't rest until the goal is achieved.

You can be rich or poor but you should have the guts to go with dreams and work hard to make them come true.