Dipa Karmakar's New Leap: Coaching Young Gymnasts in Agartala

Dipa Karmakar, the Olympian gymnast who put Indian gymnastics on the world map, has embarked on a new journey as a coach. After retiring in October 2024, she now coaches beginner-level kids at the Netaji Subhash Regional Coaching Centre in Agartala.

Unlike the rigorous training sessions she was known for, Dipa finds herself in a more nurturing role, often helping with tasks like doing her students' hair, earning her an "elder sister" status among them. Despite the challenges of adjusting to coaching, Dipa is enthusiastic about working with the young gymnasts, likening them to "soft clay" that can be molded.

Her decision to retire was not easy, especially since she had hoped to compete in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. However, concerns over her body's ability to withstand further strain, given her history of injuries including an ACL surgery, led to her retirement.

Already, two of her students, Sreeparna Debnath and Shreyanshi Roy, are showing promise. With Indian gymnasts returning empty-handed from Glasgow, Dipa sets her sights on the 2030 Games in Ahmedabad for a potential revival, hoping for the pinnacle of winning CWG medals on home soil.

"I wanted to stay close to the game that has given me everything in life," Dipa reflected on her transition to coaching.

[TOI Photo of Dipa Karmakar]

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