Bhubaneswar, July 6: The atmosphere at the Kalinga Stadium was electrifying when Odia sprinter Dutee Chand hit the tracks in 100 metres race for woman and qualified for the semi-finals after putting up a splendid performance.
The spectators also whole-heartedly cheered for local boy, Amiya Mallick, who finished third in the 100-metre heat.
As soon as Dutee, who represented the country in Rio Olympics, took her position, the entire stadium erupted with joy.
"It was a special feeling as the entire crowd was with me and I did manage to perform well. I have trained hard for the event and am hopeful of getting a medal. Besides, I am also hopeful of qualifying for the World Championship," said Dutee.
The winners of the championship will directly qualify for the World Championship to be held from August 4 to 13 in London.
Amiya, too, received rousing welcome from the audience and clocked 10.48 seconds to complete 100 metres.
Three other Odia athletes - Srabani Nanda, Jauna Murmu and Purnima Hembram - are also part of the Indian team. They will also take part in the championship.
The stadium remained jam-packed in the second session as several schoolchildren thronged it.
"We have watched athletics only on television before the event. The pole vault event was worth watching and the ease with which the athletes were crossing the bar was unbelievable," said Sangram Dash, a spectator.
Several spectators were also seen taking photographs outside the stadium, which has undergone a massive beautification drive before the championship. "The stadium has been converted into an world class facility and it's a delight for the spectators. The transformation of the stadium is excellent," said local resident Ananya Moharana.
Earlier, the International Association of Athletics Federations and the Athletics Federation of India have also expressed happiness over completion of infrastructure after Ranchi pulled out from hosting the event at the last moment.
The state government managed to install floodlights and re-lay synthetic track within three months.
Outside the stadium, police continued with traffic regulation on the stretch connecting Bidyut Marg and Jayadev Vihar to facilitate smooth movement of players, match officials and spectators.
"Adequate traffic personnel have been deployed at major traffic intersections to ensure that the buses carrying players and match officials are not detained. Adequate police personnel have also been deployed at the entry gates to frisk the spectators," said deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi.
