PM Modi lauds Dipa's feat, salutes her determination

Katra (Jammu), April 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed Dipa Karmakar, who became the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for Olympics Games, saying she brought laurels for the country by her sheer determination.

"Dipa has made India proud and brought glory to its name. First time, a daughter from the country has been selected in gymnastics stream for the Rio Olympics. She has achieved the feat through her determination. Lack of resources never came in her way," he said, addressing the convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University here.

He said it is essential to have firm determination to excel in life and the amount of facilities available should not become an obstacle in this pursuit.

Dipa had yesterday 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 52.698 points in the Olympics qualifying event to book a berth for artistic gymnastics in the Rio Games. Besides being the first Indian woman, she will also be an Indian gymnast qualifying for the Olympics after 52 years.

The Prime Minister also recalled the feat and effort made by 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi who had carved a road through a hill at Gehlour in Bihar, working day and night for 22 years from 1960 to 1982.

"Manjhi not only made the road but also created history with it," he said. Congratulating girl students of the university, Modi quipped he desires that they should participate in every field in huge numbers so that there comes a time when a "movement" has to be launched for "men's reservation".

PTI