Tripuras young gymnast Priyanka Dasgupta have already emerged as the early star of the Khelo India Youth Games 2020 by taking her gold medal tally to four on Saturday. With four gold medals in her possession within a short time, she is now touted as the next big thing from Tripura after Dipa Karmakar. Moreover, the 17-year-old girl valued each piece of advice she received from her idol Dipa Karmakar. “Dipa di told me to stay focused, not to get overawed by what the competition is doing, but to concentrate on my own performances,” said Priyanka. “Di told me that the most important muscle in gymnastics is the brain. If you dont have the strength of will, you cannot win,” she added. Born in Agartala, Priyanka is undergoing training under coach Soma Nandi, who had also coached Dipa Karmakar before her husband Bisweshwar Nandi took charge of the Produnova specialist. Speaking to the media, Priyanka said, “My mother pushed me to go to gymnastics, and she was the one who took me to the stadium every day. But at the stadium, it was Soma maam, who taught me everything, coaxed me, cajoled me, reprimanded me and took care of me. I call her my second mother.” Meanwhile, Priyankas coach Soma praised her for her willingness to learn and her eagerness for hard work. “When Priyanka first came, I didnt think she was so talented. But of course, talent is not everything. She put her head down, was willing to work hard, and was always looking to learn new things. That is what makes her who she is,” Soma said. Priyanka, who is now aiming for the 2024 Olympics, undergoes seven hour daily practices to fulfill her dreams.

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