Rio experience will enrich me: Dipa

Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar on Saturday said she was glad to showcase her potential on the world stage at the Rio Olympics and believes the experience will enrich her future efforts to win a medal at the Games.

Dipa is the first Indian female gymnast to qualify for the Olympics. She secured the fourth position in the artistic gymnast event, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal, after surprising everyone by entering the final round.

"It was my first Olympics and I came to know the experience of competing at Olympics. I am really happy with my performance. I knew I could reach seventh, eighth position but had never even thought I could be fourth. I'm very happy," Dipa said after landing in the Capital.

She was particularly thankful to her coach Bisweshwar Nandi and also expressed her gratitude to the gymnastic authorities.

"I just missed the medal by a whisker. I would like to thank my coach Nandi sir, Sports Authority of India, Gymnastic Federation of India, the sports ministry and Go support foundation."

The 23-year-old said she was pleasantly surprised with the reception she got after landing in Delhi.

"I never knew I would receive such a good reception. Thank you every one for such a reception," she said.

The Agartala girl expressed her willingness to continue a strict training regime and is focused to "work hard".

The pint-sized athlete was satisfied with the infrastructure provided for her Olympics preparation.

"There is no shortcoming for gymnasts. After my qualification, all equipment came from France and we received it within 20 days."

Dipa has been nominated for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. She would have been content had she received the award after winning a medal but was glad her efforts got recognised.

"If I had won the medal, I would have been very happy with this award but thanks a lot to those ho have nominated it."

--IANS

kh/sam/bg