Dipa Karmakar named ‘World Class Gymnast’ by FIG

Dipa, who became the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for the Olympics a few months ago, had finished fifth in her favourite vault event in the World artistic gymnastics championships at Glasgow in October last year. The Tripura lass had missed out on the podium by 0.858 points at the World championships before producing a stunning performance at the test event for the Rio Games to win Gold and to qualify for the Olympics.

Dipa and her coach Bisweshwar Nandi, who are in the final stages of preparation for the Olympics, received the official letter confirming the distinction from FIG on Tuesday night. The honour is awarded to the top 30 qualifiers in multiple apparatus events or World finals.

“It’s common for gymnasts from Russia, US, Japan and China. But it’s a big thing for Indian gymnastics,” Dipa’s coach BS Nandy said, reported the Indian Express.

“I was happy and emotional when she qualified for Rio, today I am proud. It’s like the whole of India’s good wishes are with this girl,” said the coach who lost close to 5 kg worrying and sleepless the night before his ward’s Olympic qualification was formally announced. “I’ll never forget that stressful night when I lost all that weight till 7.30 am the next day!,” he recalled.

The coach also confirmed that the distinction and the badge will be handed over to Dipa at a special function in the next few days. 

Also, read: Dipa Karmakar determined to do well at Rio