Gymnast Dipa Karmakar has become the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Asian Senior Championships in Uzbekistan. She secured first place in the women’s vault event at the Championship. The 30-year-old Dipa, who was eighth with 12.650 in the qualification, scored an identical 13.566 in her two attempts for an overall 13.566 in the final.
Karmakar won by securing with an average score of 13.566 in the vault final on the last day of competitions in Tashkent. North Koreans Kim Son Hyang (13.466) and Jo Kyong Byol (12.966) took the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Previously, Dipa had won a bronze medal in the same event at the 2015 edition. She finished fourth in the vault final at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
It was a remarkable performance by Dipa, who struggled through injuries, two knee surgeries, and a 21-month suspension for a doping violation.
“I can’t say how happy I am. This performance has come after surgeries and suspension. No other (Indian) gymnast has done this. So, this medal is really special,” Dipa told Sportstar.
“I must thank (my coach Bishweshwar) Nandi sir. He has been with me through all my difficult times.”
source: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/