Dipa Karmakar, India’s first Gymnast in Olympics, Retires at 31 After a Trailblazing Career

Known for her daring performance of the Produnova Vault, she narrowly missed an Olympic medal in 2016 but inspired a new generation of athletes.

India’s first gymnast in Olympics, Dipa Karmakar, who hails from Tripura, announced her retirement from the game at the age of 31 on Monday.
Sharing the news on social media platform X, Dipa wrote, “After much thought, I have decided to retire from gymnastics. This decision was not easy for me, but it feels like the right time. Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life, and I am grateful for every moment the highs, the lows, and everything in between.”

She reflected on her early struggles, remembering how, as a five-year-old with flat feet, she was told she could never become a gymnast. Despite the odds, Karmakar rose to represent India on the world stage, achieving numerous accolades.

“I feel immense pride when I look at my achievements. Representing India, winning medals, and most special of all, performing the Produnova Vault at the Rio Olympics, is the most memorable moment of my career,” she shared. “I’m so happy when I look back at that Dipa, who had the courage to dream.”

About Dipa Karmakar
Karmakar made history as the first Indian woman gymnast to compete at the Olympics, reaching the finals of the women’s vault event at the 2016 Rio Games. She placed fourth with a score of 15.066, missing the bronze medal by just 0.15 points. Her performance, especially her daring execution of the Produnova Vault, brought gymnastics into the spotlight in India and inspired countless young athletes.

Despite narrowly missing a medal, Karmakar’s legacy as a trailblazer for Indian gymnastics is cemented. She proved that excellence in the sport isn’t limited to powerhouse nations like the USA or Russia, and her achievements have paved the way for future generations.

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