President, PM Join Sachin Tendulkar in Congratulating Dipa Karmakar's 2016 Rio Olympics Gymnastics Qualification

President Pranab Mukherjee has joined Sachin Tendulkar in congratulating Dipa Karmakar for qualifying in the 2016 Rio Olympics gymnastics event. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded Dipa for her historic feat.

Hearty congratulations to Dipa Karmakar, for becoming the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for the Olympics #PresidentMukherjee

- President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) April 19, 2016

"Dipa has made India proud and brought glory to its name. First time, a daughter from the country has been selected in gymnastics stream for the Rio Olympics. She has achieved the feat through her determination. Lack of resources never came in her way," Modi said on Tuesday.

On Monday, Tendulkar said on social media that Dipa's feat will inspire Indians. (Dipa Karmakar Becomes First Indian Woman to Qualify For 2016 Rio Olympics Gymnastics)

Congratulations #DipaKarmakar on creating history with your qualification. You inspire young Indians with your achievement. Best wishes.

- sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 18, 2016

Tendulkar has been boosting India's 2016 Rio Olympics competitors. The legendary batsman recently gave a pep talk to young Shiva Thapa, who became the first boxer to qualify for the Olympics.

The 22-year-old Tripura gymnast will become the first Indian woman to compete in an Olympic gymnastics competition after Dipa secured her place for this summer's Rio Games in a test event at the weekend.

Despite the sport receiving little funding in India, Commonwealth and Asian Games medallist Dipa gathered a total score of 52.698 points in the final artistic gymnastics qualifying event in Rio to claim her place at the Games.

The international gymnastics federation confirmed her spot in an official release where she was listed among the individual qualifiers.

India have been absent from Olympic gymnastics events since 1964 when six male athletes competed. There was no qualification system in place at that time.

At the world championships in Glasgow last November, Dipa became the first Indian to qualify for an apparatus final, where she finished fifth on the vault.

Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman also saluted Dipa Karmakar for qualifying for the Rio Olympics. Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also joined in the praise.

"Many congratulations for taking Indian gymnastics to a new high. Dipa Karmakar, we are so proud of you," Sonowal wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Many Congratulations for taking Indian Gymnastics to a new high. Dipa Karmakar, we are so proud of you. https://t.co/IR9XAxe7W7 @PTI_News

- Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) April 18, 2016

Tripura Sports Minister Shahid Chowdhury also joined in and said, "We all in the state are today proud, delighted and excited." He hoped that she would win a medal at the Rio Games.

Dipa's entitlement under the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme, the government's initiative to fund Olympic medal prospects in their preparations for the Games, has also been enhanced from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh.

(With inputs from Reuters and PTI)