Dipa Karmakar Reflects on Commonwealth Games, Backs Pranati Nayak for Medal

KOLKATA: As Glasgow prepares itself to host Commonwealth Games later this week, one person who couldn’t help but feel a little nostalgic is artistic gymnast Dipa Karmakar. She won the bronze in the women’s vault when the event was held in the Scottish city in 2014 - her maiden international medal. It marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that came to an end in 2024 when she retired after winning gold at Asian Championships. Having transitioned into coaching, Dipa remains deeply connected to the sport and will be glued to the screens when the competition begins on Thursday. She will also be rooting for Pranati Nayak, who she believes has a good chance of finishing on the podium this time. “We were together during the last two national camps. I was with the junior team at Asian Championships in China, while she was competing alongside Olympic and World Championship medallists,” Dipa said during an interaction facilitated by Sports Authority of India (SAI). “She performed well and reached the final. I hope she has upgraded one of her vaults, and if she executes both vaults well, I believe she has a very good chance of winning a medal.” Having said that, one also needs to keep in mind that the veteran gymnast has been struggling with injuries, especially after hurting her ankle during last year’s World Championships. “I have gone through two ACL surgeries myself, so I know how difficult the comeback can be. But I hope she returns even stronger. Commonwealth Games come only once every four years, so this is a huge opportunity,” Dipa added. Besides Pranati, India will have several other gymnasts in action, including a few making their Commonwealth Games debut. While Dipa believes the event will be a huge opportunity for them, she is already looking ahead to the next Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Ahmedabad in 2030. “I competed at 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, and I know what hosting such an event means,” Dipa said. “This time, I hope India has its best-ever Commonwealth Games. We have four years to prepare, and if everyone continues working hard, I believe we can win many more medals.” She is also hopeful of India getting the opportunity to host the 2036 Olympics, which she believes would transform the country’s sporting ecosystem. “It would be a huge achievement, not only for athletes but for Indian sport as a whole,” said the Rio Olympian. “Hosting the Olympics means better infrastructure, foreign coaches, exposure trips, improved facilities and greater investment in sport.” The ‘Produnova Girl’, as she is popularly known, is meanwhile delighted with the progress Indian gymnastics has made over the past decade. But once Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are over, she wants the current crop of gymnasts to turn their attention towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.