Sports

Dipa Karmakar Retires After Historic Gymnastics Career

Ace gymnast Dipa Karmakar, who gained global recognition for India by securing a historic fourth-place finish in the vault event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, officially announced her retirement from gymnastics on Monday. The 31-year-old took to the social media platform ‘X’ to share her decision with her followers.

Overcoming multiple challenges, including a suspension for doping and injuries, Dipa became the first Indian gymnast to clinch a gold medal at the Asian Championships in Tashkent last year. Reflecting on her illustrious career, Dipa expressed her pride in representing India internationally.

“I remember when I was just five years old, and people said I could never become a gymnast because of my flat feet. But today, I look back with pride at all my achievements and my journey. Performing the Produnova vault at the Rio Olympics will always be the highlight of my career. That moment will stay with me forever,” she wrote in her heartfelt post.

After careful consideration, Dipa decided to retire from the sport. “This was not an easy choice, but I know the time is right. I am grateful for every moment—both the highs and the lows. Gymnastics has been my life for so long, and every experience has shaped who I am today,” said the gymnast from Agartala, who also won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and several World Cup events.

Dipa shared that her last victory at the Asian Championships marked a significant turning point in her career. It made her realize that despite her desire to continue pushing her body, it was time to listen to its limits. “Sometimes our body tells us it’s time to rest, even when our heart refuses to accept it,” she admitted.

In her farewell message, Dipa expressed deep gratitude to her family and her coaches, Bishweshwar Nandi and Soma Nandi, for their unwavering support over the past 25 years.

Although retiring, Dipa clarified that her connection with gymnastics will remain strong. “My bond with gymnastics will never end. I hope to give back to the sport, maybe as a coach or mentor, by supporting young girls with dreams like mine,” she said, hinting at her plans to nurture the next generation of Indian gymnasts.

Siddharth Dahiya