Gymnast Dipa Karmakar was not allowed to meet her sporting idol Sachin Tendulkar the first time in New Delhi when the opportunity arose.
Bisheshwar Nandi, her coach and target of her fury numerous times, refused because it would mean disrupting her training schedule in the run-up to the 2016 Olympic Games.
The icon, speaking at the launch of the book The Small Wonder , applauded her Rio feat and cautioned her about the need to not get carried away by fame.
On Nandi refusing permission for Dipa to meet him: When I was announced as the ambassador for the Olympics, one of my conditions to my team was that no sportsperson would be asked to change his/ her schedule (to meet me). I had wanted to meet all the Olympians and wish them all the best. I was aware that all will not be available and did not want their strict schedules to be disturbed.
- The gynmast finished fourth on Olympic debut at Rio Games 2016, in the women’s vault. Dipa Karmakar dared to attempt a difficult routine, known as the Produnova (named after Yelena Produnova from Russia. The Indian missed out on a medal, earned worldwide fame.
That is how my coach (the late Ramakant Achrekar) brought me up. So if a Test match was on (in Mumbai), I was not allowed to go and watch. He told me to finish my practice and then do what I wanted to.
Memories of watching Dipa at Rio: I was operated on my knee around that time and not allowed to move much, yet I went all the way to Rio. Like millions and millions of those around the globe, I was also awake to watch her.
Something fascinating is that only seven gymnasts so far have attempted the Produnova vault, five have been successful and of the five, I can proudly say, one is sitting among us. She came very close (to a medal), it did not happen. That is how sport is, there are no guarantees.
On appreciation of the display at Rio and effects: She has managed to leave an impression on not just Indians, but all across the world. Today you mention ‘Dipa’ is any part of the world and they would know (about her). You have not just created an impression, you have motivated thousands of youngsters to go out and do something special for our country. That is what matters and is your contribution to gymnastics.
On advice at a function for Rio medal-winners where Dipa was invited: Something that changes in every athlete’s life is recognition. Earlier, you practised, got results but nobody took notice (of your performance).
You continue practising hard, continue pushing yourself. I told her the Dipa of yesterday should remain the same. Around you, a lot of changes will take place, which is good. Every athlete likes appreciation and encouragement, but when it (recognition and fame) starts hindering your preparations, it does not work. I told her never forget to do your work, because this is a special talent which has come from up above. We need to value, respect and worship god-given talent, I told her.
