KOLKATA: As Glasgow prepares to host the Commonwealth Games later this week, one person can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic and that’s a rhythmic gymnast Deepa Karmakar. She won a bronze medal in the women’s vault competition in the Scottish city in 2014, her first international medal.This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for her, which would see her retire in 2024 after winning a gold medal at the Asian Championships.Having transitioned into coaching, Deepa remains deeply connected to the sport and will be glued to the screen when the action begins on Thursday. She will also support Pranati Nayak, who she believes has a good chance of making it to the podium this time.“We have been together for the past two national camps. I was in China with the junior team at the Asian Championships, while she was playing with Olympic and World Championship medalists,” Deepa said during an interaction hosted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).“She did well and made it to the finals. I hope she upgrades one of her vaults, and if she does both vaults well, I believe she has a good chance of winning a medal.”With that said, we also need to remember that the veteran gymnast has struggled with injuries, especially after suffering an ankle injury at last year’s world championships.“I’ve had two ACL surgeries myself, so I know how difficult it is to come back. But I hope she comes back stronger. The Commonwealth Games only happen every four years, so it’s a huge opportunity,” Deepa added.Apart from Pranati, India will also have several other gymnasts competing, some of whom are making their Commonwealth Games debut. While Deepa believes this event will be a huge opportunity for them, she is already looking forward to the next Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030.“I participated in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and I know what it means to host an event like this,” Deepa said. “This time, I want India to host the best Commonwealth Games ever. We have four years to prepare and if everyone keeps working hard, I believe we can win more medals.”She also hopes that India will get a chance to host the 2036 Olympics, which she believes will transform the sports ecosystem in the country.“It will be a huge achievement, not just for the athletes but for the entire Indian sports world,” the Rio Olympian said. “Hosting the Games means better infrastructure, foreign coaches, exposure travel, improved facilities and greater investment in sports.”The “Produnova Girl” as she is popularly known is also delighted with the progress of Indian gymnastics over the past decade. But once the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are over, she hopes the current crop of gymnasts will turn their attention to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. (Watch the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games live exclusively on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV)
