Indian badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa has announced her retirement. The Paris Olympics turned out to be her last Olympics. Ponnappa and her partner Tanisha Crasto suffered their third straight defeat in the women’s doubles event at the Paris Olympics. Ashwini and Tanisha lost to Australia’s Setiana Mapasa and Angela Yu 15-21, 10-21 in the Group C final. Their Olympic campaign ended after losing all three of their group matches.
Ashwini Ponnappa won her first national title in 2001 and formed a strong and history-making women’s pair with Jwala Gutta. Jwala Gutta played till 2017. She won several international medals, including a gold medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and bronze medals at the Uber Cup (2014 and 2016) and the Asian Championships (2014).
Ashwini Ponnappa broke down in tears
It was her third Olympics. Her journey through these global sporting events has been a testament to her endurance and skill in the sport. Previously she had a significant partnership with Jwala Gutta, which lasted until 2017. They made history by becoming the first Indian pair to win a bronze medal at the World Championships.
The 34-year-old Ashwini, who is playing in her third Olympics, was asked if she wanted to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, she said, “This will be my last Olympics, but Tanisha still has a long way to go.” It will be emotional and mental. It’s too heavy, I can’t bear it again. It is not easy, if you are a little bit younger you can bear it. After playing for so long, I can’t stand it anymore.”
