Dipa Karmakar: Wins Historic Gold at 2024 Asian Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent
Tashkent, Uzbekistan - In a landmark achievement for Indian gymnastics Dipa Karmakar clinched the gold medal at the 2024 Asian Gymnastics Championships on Sunday. This victory marks the first time an Indian gymnast has secured a gold medal at the Asian Championships.
The 30-year-old Olympian who posted an average score of 13.566, outperformed her competitors from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Kim Son-hyang secured the silver medal with a score of 13.466, while Jo Kyong-byol took the bronze with a score of 12.966.
Karmakar's triumph is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Reflecting on her journey, she recalled the heartbreak of 2021, a year that had left her doubting her future in gymnastics. The Dipa of 2021 was too heartbroken to even believe that today she would win a gold medal at the Asian Championships in 2024, she said, expressing her disbelief and joy at her victory.
In addition to her latest accolade, Karmakar previously made history by winning the women’s vault gold medal at the 2018 FIG World Cup in Mersin, Turkey, becoming the first Indian to ever win a gold medal at a global gymnastics event.
Meanwhile, at the same competition, the Philippines' Emma Malabuyo finished third in the all-around competition with a score of 50.398, securing the only Olympic quota available from the Tashkent meet.
Dipa Karmakar's groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Indian gymnasts, proving that perseverance and hard work can lead to historic successes on the international stage.
