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Dipa Karmakar, the trailblazing Indian gymnast, has expressed concern over the lack of passion among the current generation of gymnasts. She believes that this deficiency is hindering their ability to excel on the global stage.Karmakar, who made history as the first Indian woman gymnast to compete at the Olympics and finished a remarkable fourth in the 2016 Rio Games, retired earlier this month. Her career was marked by her awe-inspiring performances of the highly-difficult Produnova vault."There was 'junoon' (passion) in Dipa, that is why. Same for Pranati," she said, referring to the scarcity of successful Indian women gymnasts. "I can't see this 'junoon' (passion) much in the current generation (of gymnasts). I feel they look for short term, instant success."Karmakar also highlighted the problems plaguing the national federation, which she believes have not helped the cause of Indian gymnastics. She cited the lack of clear selection criteria for the Asian Games as an example."There was a problem between the SAI and the federation. For example, the selection criteria for the last Asian Games (2023) were known only after the actual trials," she said.Despite the challenges, Karmakar remains committed to giving back to the sport. She plans to become a coach or support the next generation of gymnasts in their pursuit of dreams.Meanwhile, Indian men's doubles shuttler Chirag Shetty has set his sights on an Olympic medal in 2028. He and his partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy are currently recovering from injuries but plan to return to the international circuit soon."Medal in 2028 LA Olympics is the target," Shetty said. "We wanted to win a medal in the Paris Olympics but that was not to be. But never say never. We have won almost every medal except for an Olympics medal. We would also like to win gold in the World Championships."Shetty acknowledged the historic Thomas Cup title win, attributing it to the team's unwavering determination. "The difference was in the urge and jest to win the title," he said.

Dipa Karmakar, India's Gymnastics Trailblazer, Retires After Illustrious CareerIndian gymnastics icon Dipa Karmakar, who captivated the nation with her historic Olympic performance, has announced her retirement from the sport. The 31-year-old, who became the first Indian female gymnast to compete at the Olympics, leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and achievement.Karmakar's journey to the pinnacle of gymnastics began at a young age. Her exceptional talent and unwavering determination propelled her to the international stage, where she made history at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the vault event, she executed the daring "Produnova" vault, a move that had only been successfully performed by a handful of gymnasts before.Despite a valiant effort, Karmakar narrowly missed out on a bronze medal by a mere 0.15 points. Her fourth-place finish was a testament to her skill and resilience, and it ignited a surge of pride and admiration across India.In a heartfelt statement, Karmakar expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout her career. "Gymnastics has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am grateful for every moment," she said. "This decision is not easy, but it feels like the right time."Karmakar's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian gymnastics. She has been a role model for countless young athletes, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and break barriers. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Asian Senior Championships. The 30-year-old gymnast clinched the coveted title in the women's vault event, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination.Karmakar's triumph is a testament to her unwavering spirit and resilience. After serving a 21-month suspension for a doping offense, she made a remarkable comeback to the sport last year. Her victory in Uzbekistan is a testament to her hard work and dedication.In the vault final, Karmakar displayed her signature Produnova vault, a highly complex and dangerous maneuver that requires immense strength and precision. She executed the vault with remarkable accuracy, earning an average score of 13.566.North Korea's Kim Son Hyang and Jo Kyong Byol claimed the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Karmakar's victory is a significant milestone for Indian gymnastics, as it marks the first time an Indian gymnast has won a gold medal at the Asian Senior Championships.Prior to Karmakar's triumph, Indian gymnasts had achieved notable success at the Asian Championships. Ashish Kumar won a bronze medal in the individual floor exercise in 2015, while Pranati Nayak secured bronze medals in the vault event in 2019 and 2022.Karmakar's victory is a source of inspiration for aspiring gymnasts in India and around the world. Her determination and perseverance serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.