Gymnast Dipa Karmakar, the only female player participating in the 54th Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championship from Tripura team, is undoubtedly the ‘first choice of judges’ among Indian girls having the potential to take part in the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2014 scheduled at Glasgow from July 23 to August 3. Dipa had been felicitated with a physical instructor’s job at Directorate of Sports in Government of Tripura by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar in 2012. In an exclusive interaction with The Pioneer on Wednesday prior to the beginning of ‘ Individual All Round Champion’ she said grabbing a medal in the upcoming global meet is presently her main focus. Excerpts:
Tell us about your association with GymnasticsIJ
I was five years old when my father, who is into weightlifting, encouraged me to join this game. This influenced me and I began playing under the guidance of coach Somanandi. Since the age of seven I came under Coach BS Nandi who is still my main source of inspiration.
When did the sequence of medals beginIJ
It was in 2007 when I won three gold and two silver medals in the Junior Gymnastic Championship. I had participated in the Senior National in 2009 and won five gold medals in the 34th National Games held in Ranchi in 2011 for vaulting table event. I was at the eighth place in the last Asian Games for the same event. In the pre-CWG Championship held in April this year, I got a gold medal for vaulting and silver medal for balancing event.
Being the only girl from your small state Tripura, how does it feelIJ
Initially, I used to feel lonely in many of the tournaments. Eventually, I could overcome the loneliness due to support of my parents, coach and the state government. Infact, I am proud to represent my state at national and international level as a single female gymnast.
Who are your competitors for CWGIJ
Maharashtra team’s Rucha Divekar, Aruna Reddy from Andhra Pradesh and Pranauti Nayak of West Bengal.
Tell us about your educational qualification.
I am pursuing my BA Part Two (Pass) from Tripura’s Women’s College. Continuing studies is indeed a problem with gymnastics. Fortunately, I have never failed and managed to pass each standard with atleast second division.
Presently, what is your main focusIJ
Obviously, its Commonwealth Games. I believe India can hope for a medal from a female gymnast and not only from male players like Ashish Kumar and Rakesh Patra. The ongoing Indian camp for this CWG at New Delhi is improving my skills every day.