AGARTALA, April 23 - After breaking the 52-year-old jinx in qualifying for the Olympics by an Indian, artistic gymnast Dipa Karmakar on Saturday said she has only crossed one hurdle in her dream of winning a medal in the Earth�s biggest sports event.
�My only dream is to bag a medal in the Rio Olympics after qualifying for the event. I will leave no stone unturned to achieve this�, she told the media shortly after arrival here.
Dipa, who made history by qualifying for the Olympics, however, knows how difficult it is to claim a medal in the biggest sports carnival. �I will have to compete with gymnasts from US, Russia, China and Britan. But no matter who will be my competitor, I want to do my best in the Olympics�, she said.
On her performance in the test event at Rio, the golden girl said she was not so happy at her performance. �In my favourite event apparatus-vaulting table, I did good but could not do well in three other apparatus. I will have to do much better in three apparatus in the Olympics to confirm a medal in Rio�, she admitted.
On being asked if she feels the need to undergo training under a foreign coach, the first Indian woman gymnast said, �I want to praise my coach Bisweswar Nandi from the core of my heart for whom I am. I have travelled this far � booking ticket for the Olympics because of Sir. Right now, engaging a foreign coach is not in my mind�, she said.
About her plan before going to Rio, Dipa said, �I want to immerse myself in practice. Practice is scheduled to begin in Delhi from May 1�.
�Prime Minister Narendra Modi , sports legend Sachin Tendulkar and many others congratulated me. I am really excited and inspired to perform better in the biggest sports event�, she said.
Confirming that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has already sanctioned Rs 80 lakh for here training and other expenditure, Dipa said she would utilise the fund in a proper way.
Dipa, who has become a national icon, acknowledged the contribution of the State Government and other sports bodies in her success.
Coach Nandy, who played a pivotal role in Dipa�s rise in the sports arena, is upbeat over her success. �Dipa has achieved something what other could not dare to dream because of her hardworking attitude and strong determination. I am really proud of her achievements�, he said.