Dipa Karmakar,
who made history as the first Indian woman gymnast to compete in the Olympics and finish fourth, announced her retirement on Monday,
capping off a career in which she sparked awe by frequently accomplishing the extremely difficult Produnova vault. The petite 31-year-old from Tripura made headlines with her fourth-place result in the vault final at the 2016 Rio Games, losing an Olympic medal by only 0.15 points.
“After much thought and reflection, I’ve chosen to retire from competitive gymnastics. “This is not an easy decision, but it feels right now,” she stated in a statement.
Gymnastics has been the focal point 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, from Agartala, is one of only five women in gymnastics history to have successfully done the Produnova, which consists of two somersaults before landing and is known as the ‘vault of death’ due to the great danger of damage.
”Dipa began participating in the sport at the age of six and was trained by Soma and Bishweshwar Nandi, who remained her mentor throughout her career, helping her to multiple international medals and renown.
Dipa had flat feet as a child, which would have prevented her from becoming a gymnast. However, with considerable effort, she was able to build an arch in her foot.
Add to this the fact that she had to train in under-equipped gyms as a child, and her road to the Rio Games became an inspiring story for gymnasts.
Dipa Karmakar announces retirement,Celebrated Indian gymnast, Sports news
Dipa’s journey to sporting success began in 2008, when she won the Junior Nationals in Jalpaiguri.
She rose to prominence after winning a vault bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, making her the first Indian woman gymnast to do so.
She also won bronze in the Asian Championships in 2015 and finished fifth at the World Championships, both of which were firsts for an Indian female gymnast.
Dipa experienced severe obstacles after the 2016 Rio Olympics, such as injuries and subsequent surgery.
She rebounded impressively, however, by capturing first place at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Turkey, becoming the first Indian gymnast to win a gold medal at a worldwide competition.
Later same year, she earned a bronze medal at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Cottbus, Germany.
Despite multiple failures in her career, Dipa won gold at the Asian Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent in 2021.
“But my last triumph at the Asian Gymnastics Championship in Tashkent was a watershed moment. After that victory, I honestly believed I could push my body to new heights again.
Dipa’s career was not without controversy, as she was suspended for nearly two years after testing positive for the illegal stimulant Higenamine, which is also used to treat asthma and coughs.
The test was administered in October 2021, but no one in India was aware that she had failed a drug test at the time. Her ban lasted until July 10, 2023.
But her career is littered with more accolades than embarrassments.
Dipa has been honored with the Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award for her exceptional achievements.
As I leave the competitive arena, my heart is full of memories and lessons that will last a lifetime. I have given this sport my blood, sweat, and tears, and in exchange, it has given me a life full of purpose, pride, and limitless opportunities.
