The loss of swimming could be the gain for cycling as there is no age bar for para-cycling unlike in swimming where athletes beyond 33 cannot participate. And Karmakar is ready to cash in on the opportunity as the Haryana-lad is determined to recreate the magic as a para-cyclist during the road races at the Buddha International Circuit.
The 32-year-old's never-say-die attitude has always helped him go that extra mile even after losing a part of his right hand in a road accident when he was only seven years old.
"Even swimming happened by chance in my life. I didn't know then that I would do the country proud one day. Why should I not be optimistic about my chances in cycling?" said the Arjuna awardee.
Karmakar has been practicing for the event in the lead up to the championship. The swimmer-turned-cyclist has currently made the Indira Gandhi Velodrome his home.
"I have been putting in at least 2 to 3 hours every day in the run up to this event and am enjoying the run completely," he added.
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