India's star gymnast Dipa Karmakar announces retirement

Dipa Karmakar, one of India's most celebrated gymnasts, has announced her retirement after an illustrious 25-year career. Known for her trailblazing performances, Karmakar is now set to mentor the next generation of gymnasts, leaving behind an inspiring legacy.

After a career spanning over two decades, Dipa Karmakar, a name synonymous with Indian gymnastics, has decided to retire from professional competition. Reflecting on the physical demands and her remarkable journey, Karmakar shared this emotional news with her fans, stating that it was the right time to step back.

"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from competitive gymnastics. This is not an easy decision, but it feels like the right time. Gymnastics has been at the center 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," Karmakar stated.

Dipa Karmakar's Inspiring Journey

Dipa Karmakar's journey to fame began in 2014 when she became the first Indian female gymnast to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, securing a bronze in the vault event in Glasgow. Her prowess continued with another bronze at the 2015 Asian Championships. However, her legacy was cemented at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she became the first Indian female gymnast to qualify for the vault final, narrowly missing a medal by finishing fourth. Karmakar also made headlines by successfully landing the highly dangerous Produnova vault, a feat achieved by only a handful of women in gymnastics history.

“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 and Comebacks

Despite her success, Karmakar's career was marred by injuries, including surgeries that sidelined her from significant tournaments. Nonetheless, her resilience shone through as she clinched a gold medal at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Turkey, followed by another bronze at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Cottbus.

In 2021, she made a stunning comeback by winning a gold medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent. However, the physical toll of the sport eventually led her to the difficult decision to retire.

“My last victory at the Asian Gymnastics Championship in Tashkent was a turning point. 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,” she explained.

Honours and Legacy

Throughout her career, Karmakar was honored with prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. She also featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, highlighting her impact beyond 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. 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 said.

She extended her gratitude to her coaches, Bishweshwar Nandi and Soma Nandi, the government of Tripura, the Gymnastics Federation of India, the Sports Authority of India, and her sponsors for their unwavering support.

Looking to the Future

Although retiring from competition, Karmakar remains committed to gymnastics. She plans to mentor and guide the next generation of gymnasts, hoping to inspire young athletes to chase their dreams just as she did.

“Though my days of competing are over, my connection to gymnastics is forever. 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,” she concluded.

As Dipa Karmakar closes this chapter, she leaves behind a legacy that transcends gymnastics in India. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless aspiring athletes, and her achievements will be remembered as milestones in Indian sports history.