Bengaluru's Ashwini Ponnappa retired from her Olympic career following her participation in the Paris Olympics 2024. As a three-time Olympian, she noted the considerable pressure on athletes and emphasized the importance of preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Her exit represents a significant moment for Indian badminton, concluding a distinguished period of representing India globally for over fifteen years. Raised in Bengaluru, Ashwini has a deep appreciation for the strong support various sports receive in the city, with badminton being her primary passion. She advises aspiring athletes to prioritize education alongside their sports pursuits, highlighting its value as a fallback option in case their sporting endeavors do not unfold as planned. Ashwini also reflected on the premature exit of Vinesh Phogat from the competition, recognizing the lessons to be learned from her experience.I didn't have the opportunity to interact with her personally, but I believe her aspirations would have been crushed. I truly understand Vinesh's situation. She is a dedicated athlete who worked hard and fought impressively to reach the final. Her entire journey is remarkable, and there are valuable lessons to be learned from her, according to Ashwini. She says, "Some individuals can manage social media criticism well, while others struggle." To maintain a strong mental state and avoid unnecessary pressure during events like the Olympics, Ashwini advises staying away from social media. Reflecting on her experience during the Paris Olympics, she notes that social media often brings negative criticism, which not everyone can handle. Ashwini emphasizes the importance of directing government funding effectively for athletes, as not all players possess the same mental toughness. Coaches and support staff play a crucial role in building players' confidence in addition to their skills. The pressure on athletes at the Olympics is immense, and handling expectations is key to navigating this challenging environment, according to Ashwini Ponnappa.