Dipa Karmakar and coach cleared by SAI for World Cups

03/05/2019

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has finally cleared Dipa Karmakar and her personal coach for the World Cups in Azerbaijan and Qatar at the very last moment with only two weeks left. However, it has asked Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) to hold trials for Yogeshwar Singh and Ashish Kumar.

Though GFI had cleared Dipa Karamakar for two back to back World Cups, which are scheduled from 14-17 March and 20-23 March in Azerbaijan and Qatar respectively, the SAI were yet to clear the gymnast. However, the administration has finally cleared the Rio Olympic star and her personal coach Bisweswar Nandi on Tuesday through a letter.

"On taking notice of the pendency of clearance of Gymnastics team for the World Cups, SAI acted swiftly and immediately approval for clearance of the contingent for the Olympic Qualification World Cup events. Now the gymnasts are clear in their mind and can focus exclusively on their training and preparation," said GFI vice-president Riyaz Bhati, reported PTI.

The GFI had entered names of athletes Yogeshwar Singh and Ashish Kumar in the men's artistic event in Doha, but the SAI has asked the federation to organize a selection trial before clearing athletes in that category. There would be two gymnasts for the Doha World Cup for the Floor and Vault events respectively and a number of participants in the trial.

Bhati had earlier claimed that SAI Project Manager Rajinder Pathania was purposefully not clearing the team for he wanted to accompany the delegations. There was a meeting consequently held between Bhati and SAI before they were cleared for the two Olympic qualifiers ahead of the Tokyo Games.

"The selection trial is likely to be conducted on March 11," Bhati said.