Tripura celebrates as Dipa makes her state proud with Olympic final entry

​Agartala: Gymnast Dipa Karmakar's family in Tripura is overjoyed at her reaching the Olympic final, the first Indian woman ever to do so, and are praying for her victory.

Her father, a former Sports Authority of India coach in weightlifting, and mother will perform a special puja to pray for her victory on Tuesday, when Dipa turns 23.

"This exciting news of Dipa's qualification for the Olympic final has not only stirred us but will cheer every Indian, and especially the people of Tripura," Dipa's father Dulal Karmakar told IANS.

"Our long cherished dream is fulfilled, as our daughter got the berth for the final event in the highest international sports meet," Dipa's mother Gauri Devi told IANS, as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks.

Gauri Devi said: "Tomorrow (Tuesday) is Dipa's 23rd birthday. As our daughter is away from home, we will perform a puja for her victory at the final."

Dipa Karmakar made the entire country proud as she scripted history to become the first Indian woman gymnast and the first Indian gymnast to enter the Olympic finals at the 31st Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

Dulal Karmakar said: "Throughout Sunday night we along with our relatives and neighbours sat in front of the television set. We got the news early on Monday of her qualifying for the final."

He said that before the event began, Dipa telephoned them and said she was a little nervous.

The young woman qualified for the final round in the individual vault final of artistic gymnastics after finishing eighth on the vault standings. She will compete in the final on August 14.

The news has gripped Tripura since early Monday after television networks and mobile phones spread Dipa's success across the state.