Dipa Karmakar Runs Into Sister's Warm Embrace in Agartala
Dipa Karmakar and her gymnastics coach Bisweshwar Nandi were accorded a warm reception in Agartala upon their return from Rio Olympics
Highlights
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Dipa Karmakar took part in the vault final in Rio Olympics
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Dipa Karmakar missed the Rio bronze by a whisker
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Dipa Karmakar is the first Indian to enter the final of an Olympic event
An elated Dipa Karmakar ran into her sister's warm embrace upon her return to Agartala on Monday. Both sisters were all smiles as the gymnast received a grand welcome in the Tripura capital.
Dipa Karmakar finished a commendable fourth, missing the bronze medal by a whisker in the women's vault final at the Rio Olympics 2016.
"I can't explain how it feels. It is amazing to see so many people on the street waiting to wish me. I thank each and every one of them," said Dipa Karmakar told NDTV.
Dipa Karmakar and her coach Bisweshwar Nandi were taken around in an open jeep as Agartala celebrated their famous duo. Dipa Karmakar's name has already been recommended for the Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour.
"I have seen people on the streets but I have never seen something like this. This is something wonderful," Dulal Karmakar, the gymnast's father, told NDTV.
After the hard training for Rio, it will be time for Dipa to spend some quality time with the family. And that means digging into some of her favourite dishes, including ice-cream.
"Tripura residents are extremely proud of her for putting this tiny state in one far corner of India on the international map. She is an inspiration for all the children gathered on the streets today," Ranjit Das, who lives in the same neighbourhood as the Karmakars, told NDTV.
(With Inputs from Saurabh Gupta)