Gymnast Dipa Karmakar Slams SAI and Sports Ministry, Labels Asian Games Exclusion as Demoralizing - Kruthiga V S
New Delhi, August 15: Dipa Karmakar, the acclaimed gymnast who wowed the world with her fourth-place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has expressed her strong disappointment towards the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry. She criticized their “deafening silence” for leaving her feeling disheartened and unmotivated after being left out of the Indian squad for the upcoming Asian Games. Despite emerging on top during the Asian Games trials in her event, Dipa was sidelined from the team because she didn’t meet the criteria of securing a top-eight finish in the last year.
Her ineligibility stemmed from a two-year suspension due to anti-doping violations. Just days after her coach Bisheshwar Nandi’s criticism of SAI, Dipa took to social media to express her frustration and helplessness. “On this Independence Day, I am using my freedom of speech to discuss recent events that have proven to be very demotivating and discouraging. The #AsianGames2023, an event I have eagerly anticipated for the past two years, seems farther away than ever,” she shared on her social media platform.
As per government guidelines, athletes’ performance in individual events over the previous 12 months shouldn’t fall below the achievement of the eighth-ranked participant in the 2018 Asian Games for measurable sports.
However, the Indian men’s football team was permitted to participate despite not meeting these criteria, which drew criticism. Dipa, on the other hand, believes that her trial performance should have been enough for her inclusion. “To my surprise, despite topping the national trials and fulfilling the @IndiaSports selection criteria, it seems I won’t get the chance to participate in the @19thAGofficial.”
The absence of communication from authorities has particularly irked her. “What’s worse is that the reasons behind this decision haven’t been shared with me officially. Instead, my fellow gymnasts and I are left to read about our exclusion from the Games in the news, and I’m just confused.”
She urged for fair evaluations from authorities. “The immense effort and sacrifices that go into preparing for significant events are often overlooked, replaced with doubt and complete silence from Media_SAI and @IndiaSports. All I request is for uniform and consistent application of the selection criteria across all sports.”
Concluding her message, she expressed her confidence in participating in the Hangzhou Games. “I hope the correct information reaches us soon, ending this uncertainty. Meanwhile, I owe it to my country to continue my training and look forward to joining @WeAreTeamIndia in Hangzhou next month. Jai Hind!”
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