PTI
New Delhi, August 20: Fresh from her historic fourth place finish at the Rio Olympics, gymnast Dipa Karmakar touched down in the country to a rousing welcome here Saturday. The woman who put India on the gymnastic map of the world, after her arrival clarified that to her the ‘Produnova’ vault is not ‘fatal’ as many describe it to be.
The 23-year-old from Tripura missed out on an Olympic medal by 0.150 points despite successfully executing the dangerous Produnova vault (15.266) in her second attempt to secure a remarkable 15.066 points in the final.
“I thank all Indians who supported me. I am happy but would have been happier if I had won a medal for the country because I missed it by 0.15 points… but whatever happens, happens for good. Hopefully, better things are awaiting,” the 20-year-old said on her arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here.
Dipa again thanked her coach Bishweshwar Nandi, who has been nominated for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. “He has worked tirelessly for the last 16 years. Whatever, I have achieved is because of him. I thank him the most,” stated Dipa.
I know that I have been nominated for the Khel Ratna award but for me more important is that my coach has been nominated for the ‘Dronacharya’ award. It would have been immensely satisfying if we would have won a medal to show for our efforts,” added the gymnast.
Experts may think it is the ‘’Vault of Death’ but Dipa does not think so and informed that she will continue performing the Produnova despite the dangers that come with the daredevil act.
“I will continue doing the Produnova, not thinking of any other vault at the moment. I don’t think it’s a ‘death vault’ as many say. If we practice everything becomes easy, my coach made me practice the vault,” Dipa stated in a very matter-of-fact manner.
“Everything is risky, if you practice properly everything becomes easy. I made Dipa practice the vault a lot and thus the Produnova has become easy for her,” Nandi, who stood alongside his protege, added.
The Indian gymnast also stated that US star Simone Biles had constantly encouraged her. “She is an inspirational figure and to get praised by her is really something I will never forget,” Dipa informed.
