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Tag: Olympic Medal

  • India’s Star Gymnast Dipa Karmakar Announces Retirement | Other

    Dipa Karmakar, one of India’s most celebrated and trailblazing gymnasts, has announced her retirement from professional competition after a 25-year career in the sport. Citing the physical demands on her body, Karmakar made the emotional decision to step back from competitive gymnastics. She shared the news with her fans, reflecting on the journey that took her from humble beginnings in Tripura to becoming an Olympic finalist and national hero.

    ‘After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from competitive gymnastics,” Karmakar stated. “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.”

    Dipa Karmakar’s Inspiring Journey

    Dipa Karmakar’s rise to fame began in 2014 when she became the first Indian female gymnast to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, clinching bronze in the vault event in Glasgow. The following year, she added another bronze to her tally at the 2015 Asian Championships. However, it was her historic performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics that cemented her legacy as a national icon. Karmakar became the first Indian female gymnast to qualify for the final in the vault event, narrowly missing out on a medal by finishing fourth. She was also one of only five women in gymnastics history to successfully land the highly dangerous Produnova vault, a feat that brought her global recognition.

    “When I look back, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride for everything I’ve achieved,” Karmakar said. “Representing India on the world stage, winning medals, and most memorably, performing the Produnova vault at the Rio Olympics, will forever be cherished as the pinnacle of my career. These moments were not just victories for me; they were victories for every young girl in India who dared to dream.”

    challenges

    Following the Rio Olympics, Karmakar’s career was marred by injuries, including surgeries that forced her to miss significant tournaments. Despite these setbacks, she displayed remarkable resilience by winning a gold medal at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Turkey, becoming the first Indian gymnast to achieve that feat. She followed it up with another bronze at the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Cottbus.

    In 2021, Karmakar overcame more challenges to win a gold medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent, marking a major comeback. However, she admitted that the physical toll of the sport had become too demanding in recent years, leading her to the difficult decision to retire.

    “But my last victory at the Asian Gymnastics Championship in Tashkent was a turning point,” she explained. “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.”

    Honors And Legacy

    Throughout her illustrious career, Karmakar was recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour. She also made it to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, a testament to her impact both in and beyond the world of gymnastics.

    “As I step away from the competitive arena, I do so with a heart full of memories and lessons that will stay with me forever,” Karmakar said. “I have given my blood, sweat, and tears to this sport, and in return, it has given me a life full of purpose, pride, and endless possibilities.”

    Karmakar also extended her gratitude to her coaches, Bishweshwar Nandi and Soma Nandi, for their guidance throughout her career, as well as to the government of Tripura, the Gymnastics Federation of India, the Sports Authority of India, and her sponsors for their support.

    Looking to the Future

    Although she is stepping away from the competitive side of the sport, Dipa Karmakar’s connection to gymnastics remains strong. She expressed her commitment to mentoring and guiding the next generation of gymnasts, hoping to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams just as she did.

    “Though my days of competing are over, my connection to gymnastics is forever,” Karmakar concluded. “I hope to give back to the sport I love—maybe as a mentor, a coach, or simply as a supporter of the next generation of gymnasts following their dreams.”

    As she closes this chapter, Dipa Karmakar leaves behind a legacy that transcends the sport of gymnastics in India. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless aspiring athletes, and her achievements will forever be remembered as milestones in Indian sports history.

  • Meet Nishad Kumar: From Losing Hand In Accident To Winning Consecutive Paralympic Medals- Know All About His Inspirational Journey | Other

    Paralympics 2024: India’s Nishad Kumar clinched a silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 event at the Paris Paralympics, adding to his silver from the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago. The 24-year-old achieved a season-best jump of 2.04 meters, finishing behind the USA’s Roderick Townsend, who also claimed the gold in Tokyo. Nishad’s impressive performance saw him dominate the 11-man field in the men’s high jump T47 event. However, Townsend outperformed with a season-best jump of 2.12 meters to secure the gold medal. Despite missing his third attempt at clearing 2.08 metres, Nishad shared a warm moment with Townsend, who embraced him, bringing smiles to both competitors’ faces.

    Who Is Nishad Kumar? How Did He Overcome A Life-Altering Accident?

    Born on October 3, 1999, in Una, Himachal Pradesh, Nishad Kumar faced a significant challenge early in life. At just six years old, he lost his right hand in an accident involving a grass-cutting machine. Despite this life-changing incident, Nishad’s spirit and determination remained unbroken. Inspired by his mother, who was a state-level volleyball player and discus thrower, Nishad’s passion for sports only grew stronger.

    Finding His Path In Athletics

    Nishad’s journey in sports began with wrestling, but he soon found his true calling in athletics, initially experimenting with javelin throw before settling on high jump. His athletic talents quickly caught the attention of coaches, and by 2017, he was receiving professional training. Nishad made his international debut at the Asian Youth Para Games in the same year, where he won a gold medal, marking the beginning of his successful career in high jump.

    Education and Athletic Achievements

    Nishad’s commitment to both sports and academics is evident from his educational background. He studied at DAV College in Chandigarh, then continued his education at Himachal Pradesh University and Lovely Professional University, focusing on physical education. His dedication to his sport soon brought him success at the senior level. In 2019, he won a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Championships and gold at the Dubai Grand Prix, signaling his arrival on the international stage.

    Making History: From Tokyo to Paris

    Nishad’s career reached a pivotal moment at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he won a silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 event and now after 4 years he clinched another silver medal in the men’s high jump T47 event at the Paris Paralympics. Nishad’s silver not only brought him personal glory but also added to India’s growing reputation in the international para-athletics arena.