Used to attack Dipa Karmakar emotionally to bring her best out: Coach

KOLKATA: Dipa Karmakar's coach Bishweshwar Nandi never used corporal punishment over his ward during a career spanning more than 15 years, but he used to attack the the star gymnast "psychologically" to stir up her emotions, that resulted in a historic fourth place finish in Rio

Revealing the secret of his training, the Dronacharya awardee coach said, "In this era of scientific training, corporal punishment is a strict 'no-no'."

"I've to attack her psychologically. At times she would break down and was so hurt that she would plead, 'don't tell me like this, it's more painful than getting caned', but that's my technique.

"No doubt, she is very obedient and that's why she has been able to reach here. A sportperson can only achieve success by heeding to their coaches' advice," Nandi said at a felicitation here.

Nandi further said parents have become very protective these days so there is no way you can use caning.

"During our times we were subjected to a lot of caning but not anymore. Time has changed. Parents won't send their kids if I start caning," he said.

"We have to make way by scaring them or screaming at them. As of Dipa, I try to hurt her feelings by saying something, so as to channelise her aggression that's inside her. My job is to bring out the best in her," Nandi, who has coached Dipa since she was seven-years-old, said.

The only Indian woman gymnast to compete in the Olympics, Dipa missed a bronze medal in vault by 0.15 points but has since then become the toast of the nation.

Dipa successfully attempted the Produnova vault which has the highest difficulty level of 7.0, something that has made her achievement more remarkable.