AGARTALA, April 18: Cheer and joy gripped Tripura since early Monday after local girl Dipa Karmakar, scripting history, became the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for the Olympics after putting up a strong show at the final qualifying and test event for the Rio Games.
�We came to know the splendid news through television. Since yesterday (Sunday) our entire family was sitting in front of the TV set. One and all roared suddenly when Dipa�s name was announced that she had qualified for the Olympics,� Dipa�s father Dulal Karmakar told IANS.
�Our long cherished dream is fulfilled, as our daughter has been rewarded in the highest international sports meet,� Dipa�s mother Gauri Karmakar said as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks.
�Dipa was a little nervous when she was talked to us on Saturday over phone from Rio de Janeiro,� she added.
The 22-year-old, who is an Asian Championship bronze medallist, qualified in the artistic gymnastics event for the Rio Olympics after collecting 52.698 points in the test event. � IANS
