The 29-year-old Arjuna awardee won the historic gold at the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games. Competing with a jaw injury, she became the first Indian to win an Asian Games heptathlon gold.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"This is one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Athletics has been more than just a sport for me-it has been my identity, my passion, my dream, and a journey filled with countless sacrifices, struggles, tears, and unforgettable memories,\" she wrote in an lengthy Instagram post.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOver the years, I have faced many injuries, including a slipped disc and knee injuries. I tried to fight through the pain and keep going, but now my body is no longer supporting me the way it once did,\u201d Barman noted in her retirement message. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Injuries and setbacks followed in the years after, but Barman kept fighting back and secured silver medals at the 2019 and 2023 Asian Championships. She also bagged a pentathlon silver at the 2023 Asian Indoor Championships.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Swapna Barman narrowly missed out on a podium at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games, finishing fourth - just four points short of compatriot Nandini Agasara, who claimed bronze.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Athletics has been more than just a sport for me - it has been my identity, my passion, my dream.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Walking away from something you have loved your entire life is never easy. My heart still wants to compete, to jump, and to chase my dreams, but I have to accept that this chapter of my life has come to an end. I am forever grateful to everyone who stood by me throughout this incredible journey,\" she wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Swapna Barman first announced herself as a force in Indian athletics in 2017 when she claimed the heptathlon gold at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bhubaneshwar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Walking away from something you have loved your entire life is never easy. My heart still wants to compete, to jump, and to chase my dreams, but I have to accept that this chapter of my life has come to an end. I am forever grateful to everyone who stood by me throughout this incredible journey,\" she wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I leave athletics with a heart full of gratitude and memories that I will cherish forever. Being an Asian Games gold medallist and an Arjuna Awardee is an honour that I will always carry with immense pride,\" Swapana signed off.<\/p>\r\n\r\n