Dipa creates history, becomes first Indian to win gold in global event

NEW DELHI: Returning to action after a lay-off of nearly two years due to an injury, Dipa Karmakar today created history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to clinch a gold at a global event, as she emerged triumphant in the vault event of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup at Mersin, Turkey.

The 24-year-old from Tripura, who had finished fourth in vault event in the 2016 Rio Olympics, scored 14.150 to win the top prize. She had topped the qualification with a score of 13.400.

This is Dipa’s first medal in a World Challenge Cup.

“This is history and Dipa has created it. She is now the first Indian gymnast to win a gold in a world level event,” Gymnastics Federation of India vice-president Riyaz Ahmed Bhati said.

In her first attempt, Dipa had a difficulty score of 5.400 while collecting 8.700 in execution for a total of 14.100. She improved the score in her second attempt to 14.200 (5.600+8.600), giving her a total average of 14.150.

Rifda Irfanaluthfi of Indonesia clinched the silver with 13.400 points while local participant Goksu Uctas Sanli took the bronze with a score of 13.200.

Dipa, who is being accompanied by her coach Bisheshwar Nandi, missed out on another medal as she finished fourth in the balance beam event. She had made the balance beam finals after finishing third in the qualification with a score of 11.850. (AGENCIES)

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