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Ashwini Ponnappa, India’s most experienced women’s doubles shuttler, is all set to participate in her third Olympics. After the retirement of her former partner Jwala Gutta, with whom she clinched gold at the Commonwealth Games, Ponnappa, despite beating numerous top players over the years, never really found consistent success with another partner.
In January last year, the 34-year-old paired up with youngster Tanisha Crasto. While the duo was off to a promising start, initially, the prospect of qualifying for the Paris Olympics in 2024 seemed distant.
"I had that hope (of qualifying). But I don't think anyone would have thought that I would have got here." Ponnappa told PTI.
“Most people doubted that I'd even get back. We were starting from scratch. But personally, it was at the back of my mind, and it was like a wish and a dream that we'd qualify," she added.
The duo started working their way up the ranks, winning two Super 100 titles in Abu Dhabi and Guwahati before getting a chance to participate in bigger tournaments.
"Even though we have started playing bigger tournaments (only) this year, we've had some good wins along the way that's given us hope that we can compete with the best, even at a big level like the Olympics," Ponnappa said.
The path to qualification was demanding, with the Indian duo participating in a grueling schedule of five tournaments in six weeks. Despite the intense competition and pressure, Ponnappa expressed relief and joy upon securing their spot in the Paris Olympics.
"We've played four tournaments back-to-back, and it has been pretty stressful. But everyone was in the same boat because all of us were competing to get a slot at the Olympics,” the Commonwealth Games medalist said.
"For me personally, I'm relieved and happy that we've qualified," Ponnappa added.
While talking about the difference between them and the top 10 pairs, Ashwini Ponnappa highlighted the mental stability they possess. She emphasized the need for a stable mindset, free from emotional fluctuations during matches—a trait they aim to cultivate to compete consistently against the best.
"Mentally, the top 10 players are all stable with their approach. I think when it comes to us, maybe we either get too carried away or too upset on the court with mistakes."
"Either you're upset and then you're stuck for the next couple of points, and you end up making more mistakes," she continued. "At times you're leading, and then you can't take it easy because you're playing the best. So they've got a mentality where, irrespective of what the scoreline is, they're like machine.
"That's one thing, one area where Tanisha and I need to get stronger...we don't react too much for good and bad points, but have a stable approach and have a fighting mentality till the end," she went on to add.
"I really needed a break" - Ashwini Ponnappa on almost wanting to quit on several occasions
While Ashwini Ponnappa has had an incredibly successful career so far, she admits that there have been instances that almost led her to hang up her racquet, particularly after the Rio Olympics in 2016.
The aftermath of the Rio Olympics was a challenging period for the Bengaluru-born shuttler. Battling through a bout of dengue to compete, Ponnappa returned from Rio without managing to win a single match.
"It hasn't been easy because I struggled with a lot of aches after dengue. I didn't realize how bad it was up until like months later," she revealed.
Despite the setbacks, Ponnappa persisted, forming a new partnership with N Sikki Reddy. Together, they secured bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and contributed to India's gold-winning mixed team at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. However, the duo did not manage to win a single title on the tour.
"It's just that I haven't really won along with my partners. We never won. We did get some really good wins, and especially more so in the team events," she reflects. "But for me, mentally, I've been at a way better phase post-COVID. Although then we (with Sikki) were aiming to qualify for Tokyo (Olympics), which didn't happen," Ponnappa said.
"I really needed a break then because I had to reevaluate what I wanted, how I wanted the last phase of my badminton career to pan out," she candidly admitted.
A renewed mindset and a change in partner have helped Ashwini Ponnappa change her game style and approach to matches.
"A change in partner has also helped me change my game style and approach to matches," she explains. "I'm a lot more open to opening up the game, and unlike in the past where I hit like a maniac from every corner, now I'm more like...if I can't get a point with hitting, I open up as well," she said.
Ponappa added that she no longer just attacks from every position but is also comfortable opening up the game and defending.
"I am not just relying on my power to get points, but also I'm quite comfortable defending. My approach to the game is so much different now that I see it from like an all-round point of view rather than being singular," she said.
