She ‘lights’ up our world

Dipa Karmakar is the first woman Gymnast from India to Qualify for the Olympic Games to be held in Rio. When not training she is also studying for a masters degree in political science

Post her Rio Olympics qualification, life has not been the same for Dipa Karmakar. The Tripura gymnast has gone from being an unknown girl to the toast of the nation. “No doubt, life has changed a lot after I returned from Rio de Janiero. I suddenly became so famous... busy meeting people, officials and giving interviews. This is the best phase of my life. I was really surprised to see a huge crowd at the airport. It was difficult for me to get out of that,” said Dipa.

The 22-year-old from Agartala shot to fame after becoming the first woman gymnast from India to qualify for the Olympic Games recently. Youngest in the family of four, Dipa was introduced to the sport at the age of six. Initially, she was not too keen on gymnastics due to fear of falling. She also suffered from flat feet in childhood, which added to her difficulties.

Dipa won the junior nationals in 2007 which got her interested in gymnastics and she started taking the sport seriously after the 2010 Commonwealth Games.” My father (Dulal Karmakar) was a weightlifting coach at the SAI. He advised me to opt for gymnastics. Initially, I was not keen to take up the sport, I used to visit the SAI camps with my father and I started liking gymnastics after 2007 and it became my life in 2010. “I saw Ashish Kumar’s historic silver at the 2010 Delhi CWG and it inspired me a lot. I promised myself that in coming three to four years, I will also become successful.”

Dipa, who works in the postal department in Agartala, is pursuing a masters degree in political science. “I have just completed my graduation and have enrolled for the masters degree. I did my graduation in political science, education and history. “After my morning training, I go to the post office as I am employed there. But now my focus is on gymnastics only,” said Dipa, who also became the first Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics after 52 years.

It was a childhood dream to participate in the quadrennial event and now when it has come true, the 22-year-old is all determined to clinch a podium finish. “Gymnastics is my only hobby and I like doing nothing else. I listen to music occasionally. I only think of the sport and how to make myself better.”

Dipa loves to travel and hang out with friends in her free time, but is not too fond of shopping. “I do not follow fashion nor am I inclined towards it like any other girl. I do go for shopping, but that too very rarely. “My school mates are my friends and I have very close friends in gymnastics as well. They are Aruna Reddy from Telangana and Praneeti Das from Kolkata. They are like my sisters. I love spending time with them.”

Dipa said she was a “no fuss kid” and was always an obedient student and athlete. “I was the youngest in my family... I have an elder sister who is married. But I never threw tantrums or loved being pampered. I love home cooked food specially maa ke haath ka. Homemade food is always very delicious,” the 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist said.

Travelling is an integral part of a sportperson’s life and Dipa is no different. Her first trip abroad to London holds a special corner in her heart.

“London is my favourite travel destination. I loved the view from the London Bridge when I first looked out of the bus window. It was really a beautiful sight. That’s why I liked it so much. I liked everything about the place.” Asked if she felt lonely during trips as she has to stay away from loved ones for long periods, Dipa replied, “No, never. My coach is with me all the time... so I do not feel alone at all. (Bisbeshwar) Nandi sir helps me a lot in that regard. I am lucky to have him with me as my coach. He takes good care of my mental fitness as well as my physical conditioning.”

Quick bytes Favourite actors: Hirthik Roshan, Katrina Kaif Favourite movie: Three Idiots Favourite book: I do not read much except my course books! Favourite colour: Yellow Sporting idol: Sachin Tendulkar, M.C. Mary Kom Favourite food : Home made dishes Favourite travel destination: London Coached by Bisbeshwar Nandi