Dipa Karmakar,
an ace gymnast who made India a talking point in world gymnastics after finishing fourth in vault at the 2016 Rio Olympics, announced her retirement from the sport on Monday (October 7, 2024).
Dipa, who overcame a drug suspension and injuries to become the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Asian Championships in Tashkent in May last year, expressed pride in her career.
“I remember a five-year-old Dipa who was told she couldn’t be a gymnast because she had flat feet.on the world stage and earning medals. The most memorable moment was performing the Produnova vault during the Rio Olympics. It remains the most unforgettable moment in my career. Today, I am overjoyed to meet Dipa because she had the bravery to dream,
“My last Asian Championship triumph was a watershed moment for me because it made me believe I could push my body even further. However, our bodies will occasionally signal that it is time to rest. Even now, the heart refuses to accept it.
“After much thinking, I’ve chosen to retire from gymnastics. This was not an easy decision for me, but the timing is right. “I am grateful for every moment, the highs, the lows, and everything in between,” said Agartala-based Dipa, who won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a gold and bronze at World Cups.
Dip thanked her family, as well as instructors Bishweshwar and Soma Nandi, for their 25-year support.
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Dipa stated that she will contribute to the sport. expressed a desire to give back to the sport by encouraging females like herself, perhaps as a mentor or coach.
