Assam gymnasts impressed me: Dipa Karmakar

GUWAHATI: She is the only Indian woman gymnast to have participated in the Olympics. Dipa Karmakar, who visited Nagaon on Saturday to attend the inaugural function of the Mukhlesh Ahmed Memorial 30th All Assam Gymnastics Championship, spoke for a while with The Sentinel over the telephone. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): Your first impression on the gymnasts of Assam!

Dipa: Very good. Talent is here. I have seen a few events in the competition. One girl really impressed me with her performance.

TS: What suggestions would you like to extend to the gymnasts of Assam?

Dipa: I personally believe that hard work and dedication are the keys to success. Gymnasts from Assam should have to follow these two keys sincerely if they want to be successful in the game.

TS: Do you feel that the region isn't able to make visible progress in the game due to a lack of sufficient infrastructure?

Dipa: Sorry! I don't agree with this. There wasn't too much infrastructure in Tripura also when I joined this game. But I am fortunate that I have got a good coach in Bisheshwar Nandi. I feel the focus and involvement of the right people at the right place are more important to script success stories.

TS: What about your injury?

Dipa: I have now totally recovered from injury, and I'm trying to focus on the game.

TS: What about Olympic qualification?

Dipa: I am really working hard keeping an eye on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.

TS: Any plan to start a gymnastic academy in near future?

Dipa: Right now I am not thinking at all about it. I am now completely focused on making a good comeback and continue the game as long as possible.

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