India’s star gymnast Dipa Karmakar may miss the World Gymnastics Championships in October in Canada, as she continues her recovery after undergoing an anterior cruciate ligament surgery, reported Hindustan Times.
The Olympian’s long-time coach, Bisweswar Nandi, revealed that she was still recovering from her debilitating injury, and would skip the event, if not full fit. “Everything depends on Dipa’s recovery from the injury. Rehab is going on and it will continue for another two-and-half months. If she believes she is in a position to participate, she will take part, else, she will have has to skip it. Obviously, her main target is to score good in the Commonwealth Games next year,” Nandi was quoted as saying.
Nandi, however, plans to request the Sports Authority of India to allow the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist to be a part of the Indian contingent to Canada, even if she won’t be a part of the tournament. “We are planning to request SAI to allow Dipa to accompany the team, even if she is not able to compete. At least, she would be inspired,” Nandi said.
Karmakar, who is now with Nandi at the IG gymnastics complex in Delhi, has started jogging but can only think about training once six months of rehab is over. A PTI report stated that coach Nandi had ruled her out of the World Championships and therefore the focus shifts to the Commonwealth and Asian Games next year. “I would not want that she goes to worlds for mere participation. And it won’t be possible for her to be fully ready for the big event,” Nandi said.
“Coming back after an injury is a challenge but then you also have to keep in mind that you can get injured also in the competition. Like it happened with one of the participants in Rio. Gymnastics is a dangerous sport at all times,” he added. The 23-year-old has been out of action since the Rio Olympics, where she became India’s first female gymnast to qualify for the games. The Tripura-based athlete narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the vault event, finishing fourth.