Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar’s return to international competition could be delayed indefinitely, as the Gymnasitcs Federation of India (GFI) has decided to send a minimum six member team to Cottbus. Sources close to GFI told Sportskeeda, they are failing to constitute a team of gymnast to compete on the world stage.
Our source said, “During our last meeting about the Challenger’s Cup we contemplated whether we could find six quality gymnasts to send to Cotbus, otherwise it didn’t make financial sense for us to send just Dipa there. The final selection will take place in a week’s time, so nothing is confirmed. But, it was bought up in the meeting that we need to produce more world class gymnasts that we can send for such events. At the moment there are just three including Dipa, hence financially it doesn’t make sense for the Federation. We would rather save the money for bigger events.”
This would be Dipa’s official return to competition, after a fourth place Vault finish at the Rio Olympics. The Tripura gymnast’s journey from the unknown was well documented, manifesting itself with a prodigal result on the grandest stage of them all. However, her requirement to play frequent world class level tournaments might hit a screeching halt. Our source added, “As I said, Dipa is training as per schedule for the event, but we need to send a larger contingent for our future plans. Our funds only allow us to send gymnasts for selected events.”
However, Dipa’s Coach Bisheshwar Nandi has denied being aware of such a situation within the Federation. He said, “I have no idea about this, I have not been told anything about this. Dipa had a month of relaxation period, and now she’s back training. We are going for the Challenger’s Cup, and even if they want to send a six member team, we have good enough gymnasts to go. I would know as much about the internal Federation mattes as you know, but for Dipa, if the GFI doesn’t send, I have full faith that the Sports Ministry or other organisations will come forward to support. But, I am not aware of any such thing. The selection is yet to be announced.”
A decision on the matter is expected to be announced by next week. However, Team Dipa is determined to send her to Germany, with or without GFI’s help.
