Maintenance Issues Propel Dipa Karmakar To Return BMW To Chamundeswaranath

Hyderabad: After finding it difficult to maintain BMW in a city like Agartala, gymnast Dipa Karmakar has decided to return the gift to V Chamundeswaranath, President of the Hyderabad Badminton Association. However, Dipa is not available for a comment on this decision, but her coach Bisheswar Nandi clarified that it was collective decision. Nandi further said that Dipa's family members alongwith him have taken this decision to return BMW car. He cited two reasons behind the decision. "There's no BMW service center in Agartala and second reason is the roads here are not suitable for this luxury car."

Coach Bisheswar Nandi said that there’s no BMW service center in Agartala. The roads in Agartala are narrow and not well-maintained. Dipa has a new assignment as well as the Challengers’ Cup in Germany is a month away. Dipa also finds it difficult to bear the maintenance costs. Dipa wants to focus on practicing ahead of Challengers’ Cup

India’s Rio Olympics medallists P.V. Sindhu and Sakshi Malik, gymnast Dipa Karmakar and badminton coach Pullela Gopichand were presented BMW luxury cars by Sachin Tendulkar at a function held at Gopichand Academy at Gachibowli, in September. The presentation of cars is an initiative by Chamundeshwarnath, President Hyderabad District Badminton Association. Legendary cricketer and goodwill ambassador for India at Rio Olympics Sachin Tendulkar handed over the keys to the players and the coach.

The roads in Agartala are narrow and not well-maintained. Dipa has a new assignment as well as the Challengers' Cup in Germany is a month away. Dipa also finds it difficult to bear the maintenance costs. Dipa wants to focus on practicing ahead of Challengers' Cup, said Nandi.

Nandi further said that Dipa's family had already spoken to the Hyderabad Badminton Association about their concerns and problems in maintaining the posh car. "Dipa's family requested the Association to accept their request. Gladly, they have no problems with it. It was also suggested to them that if possible, they transfer the amount equivalent to the value of the car to Dipa's bank account. And if not, we will be happy with whatever amount they decide."

The Gymnastics Federation of India has informed Nandi that Dipa will only be able to travel to Germany provided the six-member Indian camp can participate as a team.

"According to the Federation, we must at least prepare a three-member team. Otherwise, we won't be able to participate in the Challengers Cup. The camp has also suggested that I begin a preparatory camp as soon as possible," said Nandi.