Dipa Karmakar, the gymnast who made history with her fourth-place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has unleashed a scathing critique against the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry. Karmakar was excluded from the Indian squad for the upcoming Asian Games, a decision that has left her feeling demotivated and discouraged. The absence of communication regarding her exclusion has further intensified her frustration.
Ineligible Due to Technicalities
Despite triumphing in the recent Asian Games trials, Karmakar’s exclusion stems from not meeting the criteria of securing a top-eight finish in the last 12 months. This criterion proved unattainable for her due to a two-year ban linked to an anti-doping violation. Her coach Bisheshwar Nandi’s criticism of SAI earlier set the stage for Karmakar’s fiery response.
Using her platform on social media, Karmakar voiced her anger and helplessness regarding her exclusion. She shared her feelings of disappointment towards the Asian Games 2023, an event she had been eagerly preparing for over the past two years. She emphasized the lack of official communication surrounding her exclusion and expressed bewilderment at the undisclosed reasons behind this decision.
Karmakar highlighted a glaring inconsistency in the application of selection criteria. She cited the case of the Indian men’s football team, which was allowed to participate despite not meeting the stipulated criteria. This apparent discrepancy in treatment has left her feeling disillusioned and has led to questions about the fairness of the selection process.
A Plea for Fairness and Clarity
In her passionate statement, Karmakar appealed to the authorities to apply selection criteria fairly and uniformly across all sports. She emphasized the dedication and hard work that athletes invest in preparing for major events and underscored the need for transparent communication. Karmakar’s frustration stemmed from being informed of her exclusion through news reports rather than direct communication from the concerned authorities.
Karmakar concluded her statement by expressing her determination to continue her training despite the uncertainty surrounding her participation. She conveyed her hope of joining Team India for the Hangzhou Games and reiterated her commitment to her country. Her powerful statement sheds light on the challenges and frustrations faced by athletes striving for excellence in their respective disciplines.
