'I feel proud...,' Gymnast Dipa Karmakar, 31, announces retirement from sport

India gymnast Dipa Karmakar has retired from the sport at the age of 31. She announced the decision on Monday (Oct 7) in a heartfelt letter shared on social media.

"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," read Karmakar's statement. "Gymnastics has been at the centre 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 has been an iconic figure in gymnastic in India, as she became the first gymnast to represent India in Olympics since 1964 by qualifying for 2016 Rio games. She is also the first Indian female to represent India in gymnastic in Olympics. She performed brilliantly in Rio games and missed the bronze medal by a whisker.

The athlete hit a setback in October 2021 when she was banned for 21 months for doping. She made a return in Asian Championships earlier this year and won a gold medal as well. Karmakar, however, revealed that she could not push her body anymore.

“My last victory at the Asian Championships was a turning point,” said Karmakar. “Because until then I felt I could push my body, but there are times when the body tells you it is time to rest."

“Even though I am retiring, my connection with gymastics will remain. I want to give back to the sport – be it as a mentor, coach, or by supporting young girls.

"Today I feel proud of all that I have achieved. Representing India at the world stage and winning medals and, most of all, performing the Produnova vault at the Rio Olympics has been the most special moment of my career," she added.