Indian badminton veteran Ashwini Ponnappa bid an emotional farewell to her Olympic career on July 30, 2024, at the Paris Games. The announcement came after she and her partner Tanisha Crasto faced their third consecutive defeat in the women’s doubles competition.
Last Match Details
- Opponents: Australia’s Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu
- Score: 15-21, 10-21
- Group: Final Group C game
A Career in Retrospect
Olympic Appearances
Ashwini, at 34 years old, was participating in her third Olympics. Her journey through these global sporting events has been a testament to her endurance and skill in the sport.
Emotional Announcement
In a heartfelt moment, Ashwini declared, “This will be my last, but Tanisha has a long way to go.” Her words reflected both the end of her personal Olympic journey and her faith in her younger partner’s future.
Reasons for Retirement
Ashwini candidly expressed the toll that competitive badminton at this level takes:
- “It takes a toll emotionally and mentally.”
- “I can’t go through this again.”
- “Having played for so long, I can’t take it anymore.”
Ashwini’s Illustrious Career
Early Beginnings
Ashwini’s badminton journey began long ago, with her first national title coming in 2001.
Partnership with Jwala Gutta
A significant part of Ashwini’s career was her partnership with Jwala Gutta, which lasted until 2017. This duo achieved several milestones:
- Gold medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games
- Bronze medals at the Uber Cup (2014 and 2016)
- Bronze at the Asian Championships (2014)
Historic Achievement
In 2011, Ashwini and Jwala made history by becoming the first Indian pair to win a medal – a bronze – at the World Championships.
World Rankings
The Jwala-Ashwini pair consistently ranked among the top 20 in the world, reaching as high as the 10th spot at one point.
Previous Olympic Appearances
Ashwini and Jwala competed together in two Olympics (2012 and 2016) but were unable to progress beyond the initial stages.
Reflections on the Paris Olympics
Team’s Perspective
Ashwini shared their aspirations for the Paris Games: “We wanted to get a win today. As much as we would have liked the outcome to be different and better, the biggest takeaway I and Tanisha had is we had quite a journey, getting to in the Olympics. It has not been easy.”
Tanisha’s Emotional Response
Tanisha Crasto, visibly moved by the moment, expressed her gratitude towards Ashwini: “She has been my biggest support here. We had wanted a better result and held our heads high. She motivated me every time.”
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