Mitali announces retirement, to focus on coaching

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 18

Jammu girl Mitali is a rare example of a gymnast and a coach rolled into one.  The 25-year-old is currently posted as a coach at the MA Stadium, Jammu, but she is a practising gymnast as well. Mitali, representing Jammu and Kashmir, won the gold and the bronze in the hoop and club events, respectively, in the 24th Rhythmic Gymnastics National Championship in Mohali. 

The decorated rhythmic gymnast, however, has decided to hang her boots now and give chance to the juniors. 

“This was my last competition. I am happy that my journey of 20 years has ended on a happy note but I will still be keeping in touch with the sport through coaching,” said Mitali, after finishing overall third in the individual category. “Youngsters should be given more chances to gain exposure. I wanted to win medals for the country in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games but I failed. Nevertheless, I will try to fulfil this dream by coaching youngsters now,” she added.

Mitali took up gymnastics at the tender age of four. She has represented India thrice in the World Championships (Japan, Italy and Belarus) and the Asian Championships. Mitali was also in the core probable squad for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games but failed to make it to the final team. She has won over 52 medals for her state in the national-level competitions. In 2007, Mitali won five individual gold medals in the Senior National Championship in Jodhpur.

“The quality of gymnasts has improved in India. We now have a decent infrastructure to train kids. However, children are not getting enough exposure,” she said.

Asked about the difference between competing and coaching, the young coach said both are different but equally important. “Playing and coaching are different. Coaches have to face a lot more pressure than gymnasts, I came to know about this only after taking up the coaching role. Looking after all the kids but selecting a few to achieve perfection is something that needs a lot of patience. Though it has been only a year, I am enjoying my new role,” said Mitali. She said Dipa Karmakar’s performance in the Rio Olympics has made gymnastics popular in India but there is a lot more to be done.