By Prarthana Hazarika
Shillong, July 02: For years, Dipa Karmakar carried India’s medal hopes on her own shoulders. Today, the trailblazing Olympian has a new mission—building the next generation of champions.
Fresh from coaching the Indian junior women’s artistic gymnastics team at the 19th Junior and 13th Senior Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zunyi, China, Karmakar says the experience has reaffirmed her belief that Indian gymnastics is on the cusp of something special.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my new role as the coach of the Indian junior women’s team. At the same time, there was a lot of pressure because, as a coach, you are responsible for every athlete. As an athlete, you only think about your own performance, but as a coach you are constantly thinking about the entire team,” Karmakar told The Meghalayan Express.
The 31-year-old admitted that competing against Asian powerhouses such as China and Japan was a stern test for India’s young gymnasts, but believes the exposure will prove invaluable.
“It was challenging to compete against Asian giants like China and Japan, but I am happy with the way our team performed. The girls gave their best, and experiences like these are important for their growth.”
Karmakar also sees India’s recent medal-winning performances at the continental level as a sign that years of hard work are beginning to pay off.
“Pranati Nayak and I have won medals at the Asian Championships, and now our junior boys’ team has won three bronze medals. It is truly a dream come true.”
India’s junior men’s team scripted history by claiming three bronze medals at the championships, underlining the country’s growing presence in Asian gymnastics.
Despite the encouraging progress, Karmakar believes sustained success will depend on investing in the sport at the grassroots.
“It is very important to work from the grassroots level and scout talented youngsters. That is the only way we can build a strong future for Indian gymnastics.”
Having spent just a year in coaching, Karmakar says she is determined to give back to the sport that transformed her life.
“As far as coaching is concerned, it has only been a year for me, and I am happy to be contributing to the sport that gave me recognition. I want to continue coaching, and I want to see many more medals come for India in the future.”
For the woman who broke barriers as India’s first female Olympic gymnast and later became the country’s first Asian champion, coaching is no longer just the next chapter—it is a new purpose. And if her vision of nurturing talent from the grassroots is realised, Karmakar believes India’s biggest achievements in artistic gymnastics are still to come.
