‘Onto the Next Chapter’: Dipa Karmakar Announces Retirement From Competitive Gymnastics

Prominent Indian Olympian and one of country's most revered athletes, Dipa Karmakar, has announced her retirement from professional gymnastics competition. After dedicating 25 years into sport of Gymnastics, famed Indian athlete has decided to take a step back, as she states that it is right time for her to do so.

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Indian Olympian Dipa Karmakar Announces Retirement from Competitive Gymnastics

Dipa Karmakar took to social media platform ‘X’ [Formerly Twitter] to reveal her decision to bid ieu from competitive gymnastics as she calls time in her career. She expressed gratitude for all moments in her life, be it highs or lows.  

“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from competitive gymnastics. This is not an easy decision, but it feels like right time. Gymnastics has been at centre of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am grateful for every moment — highs, lows, and everything in between.

“When I look back, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride for everything I've achieved. Representing India on world stage, winning medals, and most memorably, performing Produnova vault at Rio Olympics , will forever be cherished as pinnacle of my career. se moments were not just victories for me; y were victories for every young girl in India who dared to dream, who believed that with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” Dipa Karmakar said in a statement.

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Indian Gymnast also explained on how gold medal win at Asian Gymnastics Championship in Tashkent was a turning point for her after she clinched gold despite previous setbacks.

“But my last victory at 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," Karmakar ded.

While concluding her statement, Dipa Karmakar revealed her desire to give back to sport, saying that she is eager to take up a coaching or mentor's role to support upstart athletes.