Dipa Karmakar creates history at Rio Olympics 2016

Indian gymnast, Dipa Karmakar has become the first Indian to qualify for vault finals at Summer Olympics 2016. The 23-year old from secured 14.850 points after two attempts, making the cut as the top-8 for the finals scheduled for August 14.

“They treat me like a celebrity now,” says Karmakar, somewhat sheepishly. For good reason, too. Her achievements in a discipline that has never featured on the Indian sporting landscape are nothing short of astounding.

Enrolled in the Sports Authority of India’s Agartala centre by her father at age six, Karmakar started out under coach Bishbeshwar Nandi. The facilities were basic, to say the least. But Nandi saw something in his ward that made the duo stick. In 2014 that dedication started to pay off. Despite a swollen foot, Karmakar managed to win the first Commonwealth Games medal for an Indian woman in gymnastics. Later, she finished fourth at the Asian championships and in 2016 became the first Indian gymnast (and first woman) to qualify for the Olympics in 52 years.

The newfound celebrity status is welcome, but also a little daunting. Everyone from Sachin Tendulkar to Shah Rukh Khan has lauded Karmakar’s achievements publicly. Such has been the media frenzy that Karmakar and Nandi often turn off their mobile phones for a few days so they can concentrate on the work that has to be done