Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar was present at the book launch of Indian Olympian Dipa Karmakar in Mumbai on Tuesday. The book gives an insight into the life of the gymnast and the hardships that she has gone through to reach the stage of her life where she is at the moment. The book also speaks about her feat in the Rio Olympics in 2016 where she finished fourth in the finals of the vault event. The book is titled as ‘The Small Wonder’and the pictures of the book launch have taken the internet by storm.

Tendulkar being present at the launch only brightened the occasion as he was all praise for the Indian athlete. He further credited Dipa as an inspiration for the nation after all her achievements in her career so far and wished her all the best for her future. “Not only left an impression, but also motivated thousands of youngsters to go out and do something special for our country and that is what matters” Tendulkar said.

The 25-year-old competed in the Asian Games with a knee injury and scored 14.316 points to bag a bronze in the tournament. In what was a rather ordinary performance by her standards, she is now preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Dipa came into the limelight after finishing at fourth place in the vault event at the Rio Games.

“I will be competing in Olympic qualification event in March. Now the criteria for getting qualification has changed drastically,” she said. This criteria is very tough for the countries like us, who are not developed much in gymnastics. But, I am preparing and trying at my best (to get that qualification).”

During the event, Tendulkar also batted for the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics. “I think, the game (cricket) should be there (in the Olympics), being a cricketer I would want that to happen. I am looking forward to it, without any doubt”, said the batting legend.