Dipa to miss World championship

It is another setback of sorts for the 23-year-old who also missed the Asian Championships earlier this year due to the anterior crucial ligament (ACL) injury. She had undergone the surgery in April and her rehab will take at least six months before she can resume training. The World Championships will be held in Canada in October. 

“There is not much you can do in case of an injury. It is frustrating as an athlete but I won’t call it a setback. Though it is surely a challenge,” Karmakar told PTI on Thursday. Karmakar, who is camping at the IG Stadium in presence of her coach Bisweshwar Nandi, has started jogging but can only think about training once six months of rehab is over. 

Coach Nandi said that her ward will not be competition ready for the World Championships and therefore the focus shifts to the Commonwealth and Asian Games next year. “I would not want that she goes to worlds for mere participation. And it won’t be possible for her to be fully ready for the big event,” said Nandi. 

“Coming back after an injury is a challenge but then you also have to keep in mind that you can get injured also in the competition. Like it happened with one of the participants in Rio. Gymnastics is a dangerous sport at all times,” he said. 

As she is not competing, Karmakar said she is using the time to work on fitness and completing her studies. “I gave one MA exam last year, now I am preparing for another,” said the  diminutive athlete.