World Champion Dipa Karmakar returns home to huge applause

Tripura's ace gymnast Dipa Karmakar has recently clinched gold in Turkey, which has not only made Tripura proud but entire India has swollen with pride.

Tripura Sports Minister Manoj Kanti Deb on Thursday has thanked the athlete, for bringing laurels to the state, saying Karmakar is an inspiration, the youth should look up to her.

Reportedly, Deb said, "I congratulate her for the remarkable achievement and wish her well for future achievements. She is our youth icon. I would like to thank her for bringing laurel to the state and our country".

After a pause of two years owing to her knee injury, Karmakar had returned to make a difference. The 24-year-old gymnast has bagged the gold medal on Sunday at a women's vault event at FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Mersin, Turkey.

State BJP in-charge Sunil Deodhar, said he expected Karmakar to bring home more awards from the upcoming Asian Games.

As a part of 'Sampark Se Samarthan programme' of the BJP, Deodhar has met the gymnast on wednesday at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi.

A statement issued by Deodhar's office on Thursday read, "She's made a remarkable comeback after a gap of 2 years due to an injury. During the meeting yesterday, Karmakar thanked the people of Tripura for supporting her when shewas down with the injury".

Greetings also poured in from Mantu Debnath, an Arjuna awardee and first international gymnast from the state. "I am proud of her. She could do, what most of us could not," said Debnath adding notwithstanding the lack of infrastructure in the state, Karmakar has walked her way to glory.

"I wish her well for the coming Asian Games competition," wished Debnath.

Earlier, the general secretary of the BJP's state unit, Pratima Bhowmik, said the party would ask the state government to declare Karmakar as the "brand ambassador" of Tripura.

Featured image: CNBC TV18