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Sports Minister Expresses Surprise at Dipa Karmakar's RetirementSports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed his surprise at Dipa Karmakar's decision to retire from gymnastics. In a letter to the trailblazing Indian gymnast, Mandaviya conveyed his respect for her decision while acknowledging her remarkable journey in the sport.Karmakar, 31, announced her retirement on Monday after a career that saw her become the first Indian woman gymnast to represent the country at the Olympics. She finished fourth in the 2016 Rio Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal by 0.15 points.Mandaviya praised Karmakar's achievements, including her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri honor. He highlighted her inspirational journey, which began at the age of six and saw her overcome numerous challenges."Your journey in gymnastics has been inspirational. You have scaled the highs in the sport and made the country proud despite facing so many difficulties," Mandaviya wrote.The minister also acknowledged Karmakar's pioneering role in Indian gymnastics. "You added a new chapter in Indian gymnastics by participating in the Olympics, which was not only the outcome of our hard work but it is a great matter of pride for the entire country," he said.Mandaviya expressed his belief that Karmakar's achievements have inspired countless young girls in India. "Your achievements have not only inspired those who love sports but especially our daughters, who have got the strength to fulfill their dreams," he said.The minister concluded by expressing his hope that Karmakar would continue to share her knowledge and experience with young athletes in the future.

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.

P.R. Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has officially announced his retirement from international hockey and will withdraw from the upcoming Hockey India League Player Auction. This decision marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen Sreejesh achieve unprecedented success on the global stage.Sreejesh's decision to retire stems from his desire to focus on coaching and mentorship roles, paving the way for younger players to emerge. He has already been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the junior Indian men's team, pending final approval from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the sports ministry.In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Sreejesh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent India and his pride in ending his career on a high note. He recalled the unforgettable moment of standing atop the Olympic podium for the second consecutive Games and the emotional celebration with his teammates.Sreejesh believes that his experience and knowledge can be invaluable to the next generation of Indian hockey players. He will continue to be involved with the Hockey India League as a Brand Ambassador, working closely with team staff and players to provide guidance and support.Hockey India has reportedly approved Sreejesh's contract for an initial period of three years, which will not conflict with his national duties. The federation has also expressed its appreciation for Sreejesh's contributions to Indian hockey and its commitment to supporting his transition into a coaching role.Sreejesh's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a cornerstone of the team's success in recent years, playing a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.His exceptional skills, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination have inspired countless young players and fans alike. Sreejesh's legacy will continue to shape the future of Indian hockey as he embarks on a new chapter as a mentor and coach.

India's women's table tennis team made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time ever. However, their journey ended with a 1-3 loss to Germany, with Archana Kamath being the only Indian paddler to win a game.Despite the historic achievement, Kamath has decided to retire from professional table tennis to pursue her studies abroad. The decision came after a candid conversation with her coach, Anshul Garg, who acknowledged the challenges of winning an Olympic medal in the future.Kamath's selection for the Paris Olympics had sparked controversy, but she proved her worth by helping India secure their only victory against Germany. However, the lack of financial sustainability in table tennis, coupled with her desire for academic excellence, led her to make the difficult decision to retire.Kamath's father, Girish, expressed his support for his daughter's choice, emphasizing her academic achievements and her dedication to table tennis. He stated that she had no regrets about her decision.Kamlesh Mehta, secretary of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), acknowledged the growing corporate support for table tennis but admitted that the sport still faces challenges in providing a sustainable livelihood for players.Garg echoed Mehta's sentiments, highlighting the need for a system that supports upcoming players financially. He believes that Kamath's decision is understandable given the current state of the sport.

Vinesh Phogat, the former Indian wrestler, has opened up about her journey in life and wrestling after her plea for an Olympic medal was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and her subsequent retirement announcement.Growing up in a small village, Vinesh had simple dreams of long hair and a mobile phone. However, her father's aspirations for her to excel in wrestling and her mother's unwavering support shaped her path. After her father's untimely demise and her mother's cancer diagnosis, Vinesh and her siblings faced adversity head-on.Her mother's resilience and determination instilled in Vinesh a fighting spirit. She credits her husband, Somvir, as her constant companion and unwavering supporter. Vinesh acknowledges the challenges she faced over the past two years, but expresses gratitude for the support of those around her.Vinesh expresses her appreciation for the medical team that supported her through multiple surgeries and injuries. She highlights the expertise of Dr. Dinshaw Pandiwala, Dr. Wayne Patrick Lombard, and Ashwini Jeevan Patil. She also acknowledges the guidance of her personal coach, Woller Akes, who helped her overcome self-doubt.Vinesh emphasizes the importance of nutrition and thanks her nutritionist, Tajinder Kaur, for her support in managing her weight loss. She also commends the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) team for their unwavering support during her injuries and struggles.Vinesh expresses her admiration for Gagan Narang, India's Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics, and the Olympic support staff. She notes the kindness and empathy she experienced from them.Reflecting on the wrestlers' protest, Vinesh states that she fought to protect the sanctity of women and the Indian flag. She expresses her disappointment at not being able to fulfill her dream of winning an Olympic medal and representing the values of the Indian flag.Despite the setbacks, Vinesh remains determined to continue fighting for what she believes in. She acknowledges that her journey may not be the same, but she will always strive for excellence.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has hinted at a possible reversal of her retirement decision in a lengthy social media post, two days after her appeal for a joint silver medal at the Paris Olympics was denied.In her post, Phogat expressed regret over her hasty retirement announcement, which she made after being disqualified from the women's 50kg freestyle final at the Tokyo Games. She acknowledged that she could have continued wrestling until 2032 "under different circumstances.""Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032, because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there," said the 29-year-old. "I can't predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing."Phogat's retirement announcement had shocked the wrestling community, as she is one of India's most decorated wrestlers. She has won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships.Her decision to reconsider her retirement is a welcome development for Indian wrestling. Phogat is a role model for young wrestlers and her continued presence in the sport would inspire a new generation of athletes.It remains to be seen whether Phogat will officially withdraw her retirement announcement. However, her latest post suggests that she is open to the possibility of continuing her wrestling career.

Tom Daley, the celebrated British diver and Olympic gold medalist, has announced his retirement from the sport following the Paris Games. The 30-year-old icon, who has graced the Olympic stage for over a decade, made the decision to step away after winning a silver medal in the men's synchronized 10m platform in France.Daley's illustrious career has been marked by five Olympic medals, including a gold in the same event at the Tokyo Games in 2021. His journey began at the tender age of 14 when he first competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Since then, he has consistently showcased his exceptional talent, earning a bronze medal in the 10m platform at the 2012 London Olympics and another bronze in the men's synchronized 10m platform at the 2016 Rio Games.After his triumph in Tokyo, Daley initially retired but later decided to return for a fifth Olympics in Paris to compete in front of his two children. The experience proved to be both nerve-wracking and emotional for the veteran diver."It feels very, very surreal," Daley said in an interview with British Vogue. "I felt so incredibly nervous going into this, knowing it was my last Olympics. There was a lot of pressure and expectations. I was eager for it to be done."However, the presence of his family and friends in the audience provided solace and motivation. "When I walked out and saw my husband (Lance) and kids (Robbie and Phoenix) and my friends and family in the audience, I was like, you know what? This is exactly why I did this," he said.Daley's retirement marks the end of an era in British diving. His exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and inspiring story have made him a role model for aspiring athletes and a beloved figure in the sporting world.

Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge's illustrious career came to an unexpected end at the Paris Olympics, as the 39-year-old Kenyan legend handed over his running shoes to a fan and retired from the race at the 30-kilometer mark.Kipchoge, the only athlete to run a marathon under two hours (albeit in an unofficial race), had hoped to cap off his career with a historic third consecutive Olympic gold medal. However, he found himself struggling to keep pace with the leaders and was approximately eight minutes behind when he made the difficult decision to withdraw.As he approached the sidelines, Kipchoge turned to the cheering crowd and handed over his shoes, bib, and socks to a group of supporters. The gesture was met with a thunderous ovation, as fans recognized the significance of the moment. Kipchoge then climbed into a waiting van and was driven away, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled achievement.Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola emerged victorious in the race, setting a new Olympic record time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds. Tola described the victory as the "greatest day" of his life, while Kipchoge acknowledged the disappointment of his retirement."This is my worst marathon," Kipchoge said. "I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That's life."Kipchoge revealed that he had experienced pain in his back after the 20-kilometer mark, which ultimately forced him to withdraw. Despite the setback, he remained uncertain about his future."I don't know what my future will hold," Kipchoge said. "I will think about it over the next three months. I still want to try to run some marathons."Kipchoge's retirement marks the end of an era in marathon running. His exceptional talent and unwavering determination have inspired countless athletes and fans around the world. While his Olympic dream may have ended prematurely, his legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of all time will endure.

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling icon, has announced her retirement from the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Her sister, Geeta Phogat, a renowned wrestler herself, paid tribute to Vinesh's remarkable career, expressing gratitude for her contributions to the sport and her role as an inspiration for countless women.Vinesh's decision to retire came after her disqualification from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024 due to exceeding the weight limit. The news sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting community, as Vinesh had been a medal contender.Throughout her illustrious career, Vinesh achieved numerous accolades, including two World Championships bronze medals, an Asian Games gold and bronze, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals. Her unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence made her a formidable opponent on the mat.Geeta Phogat, in her heartfelt message, acknowledged Vinesh's unwavering passion and struggle, which she believes will be remembered for generations to come. She hailed Vinesh as a role model for young girls, inspiring them to break barriers and pursue their dreams.Vinesh's disqualification was a bitter end to an otherwise stellar career. However, her legacy extends far beyond medals and trophies. She has been a trailblazer for women in wrestling, proving that they can compete at the highest level and achieve success.Despite the disappointment of her disqualification, Vinesh has shown resilience and determination. She has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to overturn the decision and secure the silver medal. The verdict is expected on Thursday morning.Vinesh Phogat's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian wrestling. Her contributions to the sport have been immense, and she will be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and empower women to pursue their dreams.