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Gymnast Becomes 1st Indian Woman To Qualify For The Olympics
Dipa Karmakar has gone down in history again! This time, she did it by becoming the first Indian woman gymnast selected for the 2016 Olympics.
The Asian Games and Commonwealth medallist managed to round up a total score of 52,698 points at the qualifying event, where she claimed her place for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
She'll also be the first Indian woman gymnast to represent India at a global event after 52 years!
“Great feeling to stand on podium. Will try my best in Rio", 22-year-old Karmakar said after being declared as a participant in the Olympics.
India hasn't received much funding for gymnastics in the past, but after her qualification, Karmakar's entitlement under the government’s initiative to fund Olympic medal prospects for the games was raised from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakhs.
Along with the Olympics qualification and fundraising, Karmakar happened to nab the gold in the vaults finals at the test event of the Rio Games mere hours later.
She scored 14,833 to finish first in the women's vault finals and win the gold in her first attempt, and she scored 14,566 in her second and last tries.
Karmakar in action in the vaults finals at the test event of the Rio Games.
Photo Credit: www.twitter.com
In case you don't know, this isn't the first time the gymnast has vaulted into history.
Karmakar was also the first Indian woman gymnast to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the first Indian woman gymnast to compete in the World Championships 2015 finals.
Qualifying for the Olympics, however, is a whole other level of triumph, and Karmakar's willpower and efforts haven't gone unnoticed.
In fact, the pride people are feeling has gone viral. Everyone from politicians to Bollywood stars and other athletes has taken to social media to salute the gymnast on her historic feat.
King Khan shared his words of appreciation.
Finally our own Nadia Comaneci. Dipa Karmakar u r the pride of our Nation.Ur achievements inspire us.Thanks lil one. pic.twitter.com/WHESrF5Bnb
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 19, 2016
Some other Bollywood celebs and sports stars congratulated Karmakar.
Congratulations #DipaKarmakar on creating history with your qualification. You inspire young Indians with your achievement. Best wishes.
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 18, 2016
What great news… Dipa Karmakar becomes the 1st ever Indian to qualify for Rio 2016 Olympics in Gymnastics!! #MakingIndiaProud
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) April 18, 2016
Congratulations #Dipakarmakar ! Super proud!!! https://t.co/QmjeFcuS0b
— Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@LaraDutta) April 19, 2016
In an exclusive chat with The Times of India, Karmakar said, "All the messages that I got were really special and touched my heart but my coach Bisbeshwar Nandi's words moved me the most when he said in a voice filled with pride 'Good, well done.' That meant a lot to me."
Karmakar returned home to a grand welcome.
Photo Credit: www.indianexpress.com
Karmakar honoured her parents with the win for supporting her every step of the way.
"I dedicate this historic feat to my Maa, Papa," she said. "They have done so much for me; I couldn't have achieved anything without them. It is their sacrifice that has borne fruit."
From competing in her first gymnast competition with borrowed gym gear and no shoes, Karmakar is now heading to Rio for the 2016 Olympics. She has ignited hope nationally after continuously putting India on the map!
Nomaan Khan
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After spending some time in a completely different field, Nomaan decided to drop it all and switch to Mohawk College to pursue his longtime interest in the world of Journalism. His experience working in multimedia platforms has helped him develop exceptional skills in thinking on his feet, being ...
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