Gymnastics trials: Odisha’s Rakesh Patra & Tapan Mohanty bag top three spots

Rakesh Patra and Tapan Mohanty from Odisha bagged the top three spots in the men’s senior individual category of the Artistic Gymnastics Selection Trials for Asian Games 2023 which culminated at the Gymnastics Centre of the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

Yogeshwar Singh from Haryana was the other gymnast to finish in the top three of the category.

In the women’s senior individual category, star gymnast Dipa Karmakar stood first. She was followed by Pranati Das and Pranati Nayak.

The event was jointly organized by the Gymnastics Federation of India in association with Sports & Youth Services Department, Odisha.

One of the favorites heading into the contest, Dipa was the stand out performer in her category.

“I have given my best and I am looking forward to getting better from here. I am always committed to giving a hundred percent,” said Dipa about her performance.

Speaking on Dipa’s performance, ace Indian gymnastics coach Bishweshwar Nandi said, “It is not easy to come back after injury and perform so well. We had to be cautious with our approach, but we are very pleased with the result.”

Speaking on his performance and securing his place in the Indian contingent that will compete in the Asian Games 2023, Tapan Mohanty said, “This was my first time giving trials for the Asian Games, the competition was full of top quality athletes. It feels truly special to be selected to represent India and I hope I can make India and Odisha proud.”