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Sabyasachi Bagchi: In an emotional and reflective announcement, Dipa Karmakar, India's first-ever female gymnast to compete at the Olympics, has officially declared her retirement from the sport. The 31-year-old, who captured the nation's imagination with her fearless performances, shared her decision in an exclusive statement on Monday, October 7. While this marks the end of an era in Indian gymnastics, Dipa also hinted at a future role as a coach or mentor to guide the next generation of athletes.

"Retirement is an inevitable part of an athlete's journey, after winning gold at the Asian Championship, my body started to let me down. I’ve experienced the highs and lows of sports, from ankle injuries to knee surgeries, and I still feel pain at times. Given these circumstances, I believe it’s a good time for me to retire", Dipa shared in an exclusive heartfelt conversation with Xtratime.

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Signing off from the mat! ❤️

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey.
Onto the next chapter????????‍♀️???????? pic.twitter.com/kW5KQZLr29

— Dipa Karmakar (@DipaKarmakar) October 7, 2024

Her decision comes months after she narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, a setback compounded by the physical and mental toll of injuries. “I’ve had surgeries across various parts of my body,” she said, “and I’ve always believed it’s better to leave the sport with dignity rather than linger on, denying someone else an opportunity.”

The Gymnast Who Defied Limits

Dipa Karmakar wasn’t just an athlete; she was a trailblazer who redefined what Indian gymnastics could achieve. At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Dipa stunned the world by performing the Produnova vault, one of the most dangerous in the sport, finishing fourth—just 0.15 points short of a historic bronze medal. Her feat made her an overnight sensation, and her performance was hailed as a landmark moment in Indian sports.

Before Rio, Dipa had already created history. In 2014, she became the first Indian woman to win a Commonwealth Games medal in gymnastics, clinching bronze in the women’s vault final in Glasgow. Her achievements only continued to grow, including a bronze medal at the Asian Championships in 2015 and a commendable fifth-place finish at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships—another first for an Indian gymnast.

Her illustrious career earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2016 and the Padma Shri in 2017. Yet, her journey was never without challenges.

Overcoming Adversity

In recent years, Dipa faced significant struggles, including two knee surgeries and a suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, resulting in a 21-month ban by the National Anti-Doping Agency. Reflecting on these setbacks, she said, "I didn’t get banned intentionally, and I still don’t fully understand what went wrong with my body. But I’m grateful for the second chance I received."

That second chance culminated in her making history once again. In May 2024, Dipa became the first Indian gymnast to win a gold medal at the Asian Senior Championships in Tashkent, triumphing in the women's vault with a score of 13.566. It was a fitting final chapter in her competitive career.

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Looking to the Future

Though her competitive days are behind her, Dipa’s commitment to gymnastics remains unwavering. While she does not plan to open her own academy, she expressed a strong desire to mentor and guide young athletes at government training centers or other institutions. "I hope that my experience can help the next generation secure medals," she said.

Dipa also shared her plans to write an autobiography, aiming to inspire children and future athletes with her story. "I want to showcase my journey, especially to young people who might find motivation in it," she added.

For Dipa Karmakar, gymnastics may no longer be her primary stage, but her legacy, built on resilience, courage, and sheer talent, will continue to inspire generations of athletes in India and beyond.