"My own sister is blackmailing me for a sum of 25 lakhs", says Dutee Chand on being 'forced' to reveal her same-sex relationship

Sprinter Dutee Chand, who recently came out about her same-sex relationship with a younger relative is facing a tough battle of acceptance in her family. In a recent interview with ANI, the star athlete spoke about how her own sister is 'blackmailing' her for a sum of Rs 25 Lakhs, due to which she had to reveal her same-sex relationship. 

READ: Ellen DeGeneres Hails Dutee Chand After Champion Sprinter Reveals That She Is In A Same-sex Relationship, Says "I'm So Proud Of Her"

She also went on to say that her sister had once 'beaten' her up, and she had reported the incident to the police too. 

A few days back, in an interview, Dutee openly admitted her same-sex relationship.  "I am having a relationship with a 19-year-old woman from my village for the past five years. She is studying B.A. 2nd year in a Bhubaneswar college. She is a relative of mine and whenever I come home, I spend time with her. She is a kind of soul-mate for me and I want to settle down with her in future," Chand, 23, told PTI from Hyderabad where she is training.

Dutee, the 100m record holder, was hailed for her brave revelation by social media users. She was also lauded by American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer, Ellen DeGeneres

READ: Can't Accept Dutee Chand's Same-sex Relation, Says Mother

"She’s the 100m record holder and the first openly gay sportsperson in India. I guess she knows a thing or two about being first. I’m so proud of her." , Ellen wrote on her Twitter handle. 

For the uninitiated, the sprinter had made the country proud by clinching two silver medals at the 2018 Asian Games.