KOLKATA: As Glasgow prepares to host the Commonwealth Games this weekend, one person who can’t help but feel a little disappointed is the professional gymnast. Deepa Karmakar. She won bronze in the women’s vault when the event was held in the Scottish capital in 2014 – her first international medal.It was the start of an incredible journey that ended in 2024 when he retired after winning gold at the Asian Games.After turning coach, Dipa is still very much in touch with the game and will focus on the game when the tournament starts on Thursday. They will also be chasing Pranati Nayak, who is believed to have a good chance of finishing on the podium this time.“We were together in two international camps. I was with a small team at the Asian Championships in China, when they were competing with the Olympic champions and the World Championship,” said Dipa in an interview conducted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).“She did really well and made it to the finals. I believe she has improved her one room, and if she does well in both rooms, I believe she has a chance to win a medal.”Having said that, one also has to remember that the champion has been dealing with injuries, most notably an ankle injury during last year’s world championships.“I have gone through two ACL surgeries myself, so I know how difficult it can be to come back. But I hope that he will come back strong. The Commonwealth Games only come once every four years, so this is a great opportunity,” Dipa added.Apart from Pranati, India will have other gymnasts, including a few who have made their Commonwealth Games debut. Although Dipa believes that this event will be a great opportunity for her, she is already looking forward to the Commonwealth Games which will be held in Ahmedabad in 2030.“I participated in the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi, and I know what it means to host this event,” said Dipa. “This time, I hope India has the best Commonwealth Games ever. We have four years to prepare, and if everyone continues to work hard, I believe we can win more medals.”He also hopes that India will get the chance to host the 2036 Olympics, which he believes will revolutionize the country’s sporting landscape.“It would be a big win, not just for the athletes but for Indian sports as a whole,” said the Rio Olympian. “Hosting the Olympics means good infrastructure, foreign coaches, sight-seeing tours, good facilities and a lot of sports money.”The ‘Produnova Girl’, as she is known, is happy with the progress of Indian gymnastics in the last decade. But after the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are over, they want athletes to turn their attention to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. (Watch Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games available on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV)