Ace gymnast Dipa Karmakar on Monday made an apology for missing a medal in the Rio Olympics, but promised to win an medal in the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Att a felicitation ceremony in the Vivekananda Stadium in Agartala, Dipa also asserted that India should cut its dependence on foreign coaches in sports. “I want to tell you India has best of trainers…Bishweshwar Nandi sir is best for me.”
Dipa and Mr. Nandi were accorded a grand welcome at the airport here and taken in a motorcade to the stadium. Thousands, mostly students, cheered them en route.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and Ministers were among those who took part in the event.
Mr. Sarkar announced job promotions and cash prizes for Dipa and Mr. Nandi. Dipa will be promoted from Sports Officer to Assistant Director and Mr. Nandi will become a Deputy Director in the Sports Affairs and Youth department.
School Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty announced that all colleges and schools would remain closed on Tuesday as a mark of appreciation for Dipa's achievement in Rio.
