NEW DELHI: Accolades poured in for
Dipa Karmakar, who on Monday became the first
Indian woman gymnast
to qualify for the Olympics, with iconic cricketer
Sachin Tendulkar and Sports Minister
Sarbananda Sonowal leading the sports fraternity in praising for the historic feat.
Praising Dipa for her historic feat, Tendulkar said her achievement would inspire the youth of the country.
"Congratulations #DipaKarmakar on creating history with your qualification. You inspire young Indians with your achievement. Best wishes," Tendulkar tweeted.
Within hours of her qualification in artistic gymnastics for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics at a qualifying event at the same Brazilian city, 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, was enhanced from earlier Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakhs.
"Congrats Dipa Karmakar. By virtue of Olympic qualification joins TOPS that entitles her four additional assistance of 30 lakhs, four customised training," the
SAI
tweeted.
Sonowal congratulated Dipa for her feat and for taking Indian gymnastics to a high.
"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.
Dipa today created history by becoming the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for the Olympics with a strong performance at the final qualifying and test event in Rio.
The 22-year-old Tripura girl garnered a total score of 52.698 points in the Olympics qualifying event to book a berth for artistic gymnastics in the Rio Games.
Apart from being the first Indian woman, she will also be an Indian gymnast qualifying for the Olympics after 52 long years.
Other cricketing stalwarts
Virender Sehwag and V V S Laxman also saluted Dipa for qualifying for the Olympics.
"Congratulations Dipa Karmakar on becoming the 1st ever Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics," Sehwag tweeted.
Laxman wrote on his twitter page: "Congratulations Dipa Karmakar on creating history by becoming the first ever Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympic Games. Good luck."
Five-time chess world champion
Viswanathan Anand also congratulated Dipa.
"Congrats dipa kamarkar... There a first for everything. Hope many more firsts come your way," he tweeted.
Stay updated with the latest from IPL Auction 2025, including the final squads of all 10 teams – MI, CSK, RCB, GT, RR, KKR, DC, PBKS, SRH, and LSG. Don't miss the latest updates on our Live Cricket Score page.