Indian gymnist Karmakar to use funds from BMW car for sporting expenses

Dipa Karmakar - the  first Indian female gymnast ever to compete in the Olympics, has taken the decision to return the luxury BMW car — presented to her by Sachin Tendulkar following her exploits at the Rio Olympics 2016.

According to a report in Firstpost the gesture had raised strong reactions. However, the gymnist  has clarified  the matter, saying she opted to return the BMW to the Hyderabad Badminton Association as she could better utilise the cash to fund her training.

In an email conversation with Firstpost, Karmakar said that it was a "blessing" to be presented a BMW car by a sporting idol like Sachin Tendulkar. But maintaining the car in Agartala was another matter altogether. She also said that getting monetary funds instead of a car would be a better idea, as it would help her fund her sporting and training expenses.

"I am grateful that I will be getting funds against the car's return, and I'm happy with whatever funds I get. I will be using these towards my sporting expenses,"  Karmakar told Firstpost.

She also revealed that the decision was taken purely due to difficulties of maintaining the luxury car and nothing else. "I have simply requested for the vehicle to be returned as I will not be able to maintain it. It is nothing to do with the state of roads or anything regarding the administration in my home state," she said.

Dipa Karmakar achieved history in April when she became the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for the Olympics and the first gymnast of either sex from her country to grace the Games since Tokyo 1964.For her wonderful performance in Rio Olympics 2016, the government of India conferred upon her the khel ratna award in August 2016.