Can't expect big rewards from a state like Tripura: Karmakar

In a country where stories of athletes being unhappy about lack of rewards are fairly routine, Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist gymnast Dipa Karmakar says she has no complaints about her feats not fetching her big financial returns as it is not easy for a small state like Tripura to dole out huge cash awards.
The 21-year-old Karmakar, who clinched five gold medals at the ongoing National Games, was paid a measly reward of Rs 2,500 per gold for the five she had won in the previous edition of the Games.
Karmakar, India's first woman gymnast to secure a Commonwealth Games medal, is not expecting much even this time but has no complaints either.

"It is not easy for a small state like Tripura to give big cash awards, I understand that and therefore I have no complaints. All I want is that the government should bring up infrastructure to ensure that the new generation is on a stronger footing," Karmakar told PTI at the end of her campaign.
Karamakar's five gold are the only medals that Tripura has managed so far in the Games and she is quite proud of this.
"I am glad that because of me, my state is being recognised. I was approached by several other states to represent them in the Games but I stuck to Tripura because that's where my heart lies. No amount of financial rewards can make up for that," Karmakar said.

Looking forward to the World Championships later this year, Karmakar said all that is needed to create more gymnasts like her is a decent practice facility. Karmakar said she expects the Tripura government to take the lead in this.

"That alone will take care of so many things. When I got my Commonwealth Games bronze, we got very good practice facilities. If Tripura government can create such a facility, it will be the biggest gift for me. I continue to train with my long-time coach Biswaswar Nandi and that is enough for me, I would never go away from his tutelage," she said.

Asked about her dreams, Karmakar said she hopes to win the Arjuna award next.
"I hope I get it as it would be a huge moment in my life. Hopefully, my coach will also be recognised for the hard work he has put in to groom me," she said.