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Dipa Karmakar, one of India’s most celebrated and trailblazing gymnasts, has announced her retirement from professional competition after a 25-year career in the sport. Citing the physical demands on her body, Karmakar made the emotional decision to step back from competitive gymnastics. She shared the news with her fans, reflecting on the journey that took her from humble beginnings in Tripura to becoming an Olympic finalist and national hero.
‘After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from competitive gymnastics,” Karmakar stated. “This is not an easy decision, but it feels like the right time. Gymnastics has been at the centre of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am grateful for every moment the highs, the lows, and everything in between.’
Dipa Karmakar’s Inspiring Journey
Dipa Karmakar’s rise to fame began in 2014 when she became the first Indian female gymnast to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, clinching bronze in the vault event in Glasgow. The following year, she added another bronze to her tally at the 2015 Asian Championships. However, it was her historic performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics that cemented her legacy as a national icon. Karmakar became the first Indian female gymnast to qualify for the final in the vault event, narrowly missing out on a medal by finishing fourth. She was also one of only five women in gymnastics history to successfully land the highly dangerous Produnova vault, a feat that brought her global recognition.
“When I look back, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride for everything I’ve achieved,” Karmakar said. “Representing India on the world stage, winning medals, and most memorably, performing the Produnova vault at the Rio Olympics, will forever be cherished as the pinnacle of my career. These moments were not just victories for me; they were victories for every young girl in India who dared to dream.”
Challenges
Following the Rio Olympics, Karmakar’s career was marred by injuries, including surgeries that forced her to miss significant tournaments. Despite these setbacks, she displayed remarkable resilience by winning a gold medal at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Turkey, becoming the first Indian gymnast to achieve that feat. She followed it up with another bronze at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Cottbus.
In 2021, Karmakar overcame more challenges to win a gold medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent, marking a major comeback. However, she admitted that the physical toll of the sport had become too demanding in recent years, leading her to the difficult decision to retire.
“But my last victory at the Asian Gymnastics Championship in Tashkent was a turning point,” she explained. “After that win, I truly believed I could push my body to reach new heights again. But sometimes, our bodies tell us it’s time to rest, even when our hearts want to keep going.”
Honours And Legacy
Throughout her illustrious career, Karmakar was recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour. She also made it to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, a testament to her impact both in and beyond the world of gymnastics.
“As I step away from the competitive arena, I do so with a heart full of memories and lessons that will stay with me forever,” Karmakar said. “I have given my blood, sweat, and tears to this sport, and in return, it has given me a life full of purpose, pride, and endless possibilities.”
Karmakar also extended her gratitude to her coaches, Bishweshwar Nandi and Soma Nandi, for their guidance throughout her career, as well as to the government of Tripura, the Gymnastics Federation of India, the Sports Authority of India, and her sponsors for their support.
Looking to the Future
Although she is stepping away from the competitive side of the sport, Dipa Karmakar’s connection to gymnastics remains strong. She expressed her commitment to mentoring and guiding the next generation of gymnasts, hoping to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams just as she did.
“Though my days of competing are over, my connection to gymnastics is forever,” Karmakar concluded. “I hope to give back to the sport I love—maybe as a mentor, a coach, or simply as a supporter of the next generation of gymnasts following their dreams.”
As she closes this chapter, Dipa Karmakar leaves behind a legacy that transcends the sport of gymnastics in India. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless aspiring athletes, and her achievements will forever be remembered as milestones in Indian sports history.
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