Rising gymnastics prodigy Bonofuly Chakma made her debut at the national championships in 2017 where she won two silver medals in floor and vaulting events. She bagged two more golds in national competitions in 2019 in the same events, followed by silver at Bangladesh Games 2021. Her best achievement so far came at the Central South Asian Gymnastics Championship 2021 where she finished third in vaulting. Here are excerpts of the interview of the 19-year old gymnast from Khagrachhari.
How were you introduced to gymnastics?
I didn't know anything about the sport. After my mother passed away in 2016, my maternal uncle took me to a venue for a trial. If my mother had not died, I would have stayed back at home. I passed the trial and got elected for three-month camp in Dhaka.
At first, I was afraid because I thought I couldn't do this. But after I started playing gymnastics, I liked it very much. Then I got admitted to Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan the following year.
How did international success come about?
It's because of the training facility of BKSP. If I hadn't practiced there, I wouldn't have come here so thanks to the coaches. I always dream of gymnastics. I always think about it even before my sleep – how to improve more and how to do this and that. That is why I work hard.
Why did you like this sport?
It's like an art. It's also called artistic gymnastics. There are dancing movements which look beautiful. I never danced before but I like dancing. I like art.
What do you know about the national coach [Cho Sung Dong]?
When he came to BKSP, he showed us some basics which we have been practicing since then. If we have foreign coaches like him we will do better.
What's your target?
I want to be an international gymnast. I want to participate in the biggest stages like the Olympics.
