Asian Games 2018 | I have become much more confident since the CWG, says Dipa Karmakar

But a serious ACL injury to her right knee post the Rio Olympics meant that Karmakar had to undergo a surgery just 10 days before she could receive the award. However, the young lass from Tripura has recovered from the surgery almost a year after she received the award and can’t wait to start competing again.

“I underwent the surgery on April 2, and on April 11, I was in Delhi. I was to receive the Padma Shri on April 13. I could not walk and had to use crutches. Initially, I thought that I will use a wheelchair but didn’t like the idea of pictures of me being taken in such a position. After all, just a month ago I was fit and strong and my fourth-place finish at the Rio Olympics was still fresh in people’s mind. So I decided I would walk. It was painful but at least the photograph looks good,” Dipa recalled in an interview to The Indian Express.

“Last year was a terrible year. I had to go through rehabilitation for nearly nine months and could not practice my gymnastics routines. I missed the CWG and I also missed the Asian Championships and the World Championships. I perhaps could have won medals at these competitions but the reality was that I was injured. I was clear about one thing. When I go for my next competition I would not go as a tourist nor be satisfied by reaching the final. I would only go if I know I can give my best and am capable of winning a medal,” Dipa added.