Dipa Karmakar, India’s first female gymnast to compete in the Olympics, has officially announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics, marking the end of a groundbreaking career that shattered numerous barriers. Known for her remarkable achievements, Dipa was the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal at the Rio 2016 Games. She is also one of only five women worldwide to master the challenging Produnova vault.
In a heartfelt statement, Karmakar, 31, expressed, “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. Gymnastics has been at the center 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 made history in 2016 by becoming the first Indian female gymnast to compete at the Olympics, the first gymnast from India to do so since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. At the Rio Games, she finished fourth in the vault with a score of 15.066, just 0.15 points shy of a bronze medal.
Her career faced a setback in October 2021 when she failed a doping test, resulting in a 21-month suspension. However, she made a strong comeback last year, winning gold at the 2024 Asian Championships in Tashkent. Dipa described this victory as a “turning point,” recognizing the physical toll of the sport. “Until then, I felt I could push my body, but there are times when the body tells you it is time to rest,” she noted.
Despite retiring, Karmakar emphasized her desire to stay connected to gymnastics, expressing her intention to give back to the sport as a mentor, coach, or by supporting young girls.
In an emotional message shared on social media, she reflected on her journey, recalling being told as a child that she couldn’t become a gymnast due to her flat feet. “Today, I feel proud of all that I have achieved. Representing India on the world stage and performing the Produnova vault at the Rio Olympics has been the most special moment of my career,” she concluded.
