Paris, (UNI) In a heartfelt announcement, Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa has called time on her Olympic career.
The 34-year-old doubles specialist, known for her exceptional skill and dedication, made this decision after competing in her third and final Olympic Games in Paris.
Ashwini, partnering with Tanisha Crasto, faced a challenging campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The duo fought hard but ultimately couldn’t clinch a victory in their group matches, including a tough loss to Australia’s Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu on Tuesday.
This marked the end of Ashwini’s illustrious Olympic journey. “It takes a toll emotionally and mentally, I can’t go through this again. It is not easy; you can take all these if you are a little younger. Having played for so long, I can’t take it anymore.”
Ashwin’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, she has brought glory to India, winning six Commonwealth Games medals and earning podium finishes at the World Championships and Asian Games. Her decision to retire from the Olympics marks the end of an era, but her legacy in Indian badminton will endure.
From her debut in 2010 to her final match in 2024, Ashwini has been a beacon of perseverance and passion. As she steps away from the Olympic stage, fans and fellow athletes alike celebrate her contributions to the sport.
While this chapter may be closing, her impact will continue to inspire the next generation of shuttlers.
