The postponement of the Olympic Games is a relief for Dipa Karmakar | More sports news

CHANDIGARH: She fought a mental battle after a career-threatening knee injury jeopardized her chances of representing India at the Tokyo Olympics, but the postponement of the Summer Games due to the pandemic has been a relief for gymnast Dipa Karmakar.

With almost 65 to 70 percent of the gym quotas already reserved for the Tokyo Games, now rescheduled to start from July 23, 2021, the girl from Tripura puts her hopes on the two remaining World Cups, originally scheduled for March 2020, but now pressured June.

“More than 65 to 70 percent of gymnasts have already reserved their seats for the Tokyo Games. There were eight World Cups but now only a couple remain. Both events, originally scheduled for March, were postponed to June, which also seems unlikely given the current situation, “Dipa, 26, told TOI from her Tripura residence.

“The scene is pretty grim all over the world and in such a situation there is a chance that these two events can take place next year, giving me more time to recover and prepare. So I keep my fingers crossed and hope to get back to my Practice as soon as the situation improves, “he added.

Welcoming the decision of the International Olympic Committee to defer the Games for one year, the gymnast said: “It is shocking and painful to see so many people affected and killed by the virus. The IOC made a good decision. You cannot risk the life of so many people, including the athletes involved in the Games. ”

Mental conditioning


When asked if he had previously given up hope of qualifying for the Olympics, Dipa said: ”
Jo humare meth nein hai uske mein sochne se kya hoga nude (There is no point in thinking about what is beyond our control.) I used to console myself with those lines but of course those things disturb you mentally. That is where the importance of mental fitness comes in and I am lucky to have my coach and psychiatrist at the time, “he said.

“We normally tend to ignore the importance of mental fitness. This is such an important aspect in every part of our lives. I am glad that many athletes have recently commented on mental health and physical fitness.”

The way ahead


Back on the floor after a long break, Dipa was slowly returning to her normal routine when the shutdown occurred. But his coach Bishweshwar Nandi, the master of difficult tasks that he is, has established a routine for his neighborhood to follow him at home.