Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Apr 25: Dipa Karmakar, the 22 year old Tripura girl, who has achieved the distinction of becoming the first – ever female Indian Gymnast to qualify for Olympics by recording a score of 52.698 points, called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here to seek his best wishes for the upcoming Olympic Games in which she is going to participate.
Overall, Dipa is also the first Indian gymnast to qualify for Olympics after 52 years.
Pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a special mention of Dipa Karmakar’s proud achievement in his convocation address at Shri Mata Vaishano Devi (SMVD) University during his visit to Jammu & Kashmir on the 19th of this month.
Congratulating Dipa for her exclusive feat, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the entire nation is feeling proud of her and he personally takes it as a special pride because Dipa has achieved this distinction at a time when he happens to be the Minister incharge of North-East. He said, Dipa has set an example, not only for girls across India but for the entire world by opting for a sport which is not only difficult but also involves lot of physical hardwork and risk-taking capacity.
Dipa Kamakar was also accompanied by her Coach, Bisbeshwar Nandi, who said, Dipa had worked very hard to achieve this distinction ever since she was just 5 years of age. Uptil now, she has won as many as 77 medals including 67 gold in various international, national and State-level championships, he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh assured Dipa Karmakar of all kind of help from the government side to help her achieve her goal in the Olympics and also to perform to the maximum of her potential. He said, he had already discussed her case with the Union Minister for Sports, Sarbananda Sonowal who had issued orders for special support and help to her.
Later, speaking to media persons, Dipa Karmakar and her coach Bisbeshwar Nandi said that they were overwhelmed by the gesture of DonER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh whom the entire Northeast looks up to as a member of their family. They said, they will be coming to Delhi again in the first week of next month and would remain in touch with the DoNER Minister.
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