"I'd like to play singles" - Doubles specialist Ashwini Ponnappa set to re-enter the singles field

India’s Jwala Gutta (R) and Ashwini Ponnappa

Having proved her mettle in the doubles arena, Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa has expressed her burning desire to re-enter the singles frame.

Speaking with DNA on Tuesday while attending Alegria, a college fest organised by Pillai Group of Institutions in Panvel, Ponnappa said, “I’d like to give a shot at singles.”

“I love doubles. But I’d like to play singles. I stopped playing singles because of circumstances. I feel I don’t want to sit around but play singles in national circuit and have fun. Singles is easier and I don’t have to worry about. However, I am not sure whether I would take it seriously but I would certainly like to win some titles so that it will help my confidence,” she added.

The 24-year-old will get her wish in an upcoming tournament. However, she maintains that her primary focus will be the Commonwealth and Asian Games with partner Jwala Gutta.

“Incidentally, I will be playing singles next week since Jwala is not taking part in the tournament. This gives me a chance to explore. Anyway, I don’t have anything to lose,” said Ponnappa.

“Jwala and I will be looking to defend the CWG title. Every tournament is important and we take it as a preparation. The more we play, the better we get. Asian Games, on the other hand, is neither going to be easy nor difficult. We have beaten Asian players and aim to do well in that competition as well,” she added.

The Bangalore-born player also commented on the temporary break in the partnership between her and Gutta, who had taken a sabbatical from the sport.

“We needed that break. Jwala has been playing for long and she needed a break, especially after she went through a lot. However, we are back now with better understanding, respect and a lot more hungry,” she said.

“It is important to get along off the court. We have to understand each other and have to be friendly, otherwise you can’t expect magic to happen on court. We are pretty good friends off the court. With both of us having different characteristics, it creates a kind of balance,” she said.

“The controversies (surrounding Gutta) affect us, especially what happened post Indian Badminton League. But, when we get on court, we leave everything aside.”

In relation to the newly formed Baminton League, she was optimistic about its effects on the cricket dominated country.

“These leagues give a bigger platform for sports. If you are passionate, you can use these platforms to prove yourself. It also helps one to earn money and play some quality matches. It is a really nice concept as you get to travel, be part of a team, compete with your friends and doing well for your teams,” Ponappa finished.