Olympian Gymnast Dipa Karmakar demonstrated her comeback in the vault after a lengthy absence.

As per media reports, the 29-year-old Dipa earned the maximum points to emerge on top in the all-around event during the trials to select the squad for the Asian Games at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

“It is extremely emotional to return to the place I consider my home. Humbled by the results and thankful to all the people who have supported me along the way. Grateful to my coach Nandi sir preparing me for the trials.Would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the @sports_odisha for the well-organized trials! Next stop Asian Games” Dipa posted on her social media handle.

Dipa also expressed “I think it was a big comeback for me. The performance was OK, though not 100 percent But moving forward, I will do my best to give more than 100 percent,”.

Olympian Gymnast who narrowly missed out on a bronze in the 2016 Rio Olympics, was making a comeback after 21 months of suspension due to a doping violation.

Dipa was a part of the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games gymnastics contingent but despite the high expectations, she could not finish on the podium, failing to qualify in her pet event, vault, and ending fifth in women’s balance beam.

Dipa had also pulled out of the women’s artistic gymnastics final after injuring her right knee.

She then suffered injuries to her back and knees and was also suspended for 21 months, effective until July 10 this year after testing positive for a prohibited substance.

The event, organized by the Gymnastics Federation of India in association with the Sports & Youth Services Department, Odisha, saw the top gymnasts from the country vying to establish their place as part of the core group of the Indian Gymnastics team ahead of the Asian Games. A total of five men and four women were selected for the Asian Games squad. (with inputs from the agency)