'Reaching final is Dipa Karmakar's first goal' says coach Nandi

Dipa Karmakar & coach Nandi

Under no illusions about the enormity of his task at the Asian Games as coach to Indian gymnastics' golden girl Dipa Karmakar, Bishweshwar Nandi said the first target will be to make the finals of the vault event in artistic gymnastics, the recent high notwithstanding. "I don't want her to think of a medal from the outset. She is coming back after an injury and it won't be easy. I want her to reach the finals. That is the first target," Nandi said yesterday.

The 18th Asian Games are scheduled to be held from August 18 to September 2 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang. Returning to action after a long lay-off of nearly two years due to injury, Dipa, 24, clinched the gold medal in the vault event of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup at Mersin, Turkey, last month. She showed no signs of wear and tear by scoring 14.150 to win gold after topping the qualification round with a score of 13.400.

"I know that expectations have been heightened after her comeback gold in the Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup. There will be extra pressure and you cannot avoid it.
"Pressure is on me as her coach, on her and the audience too. Everyone expects Dipa to win a medal whenever she is in action," said Nandi.

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