Bengaluru's Ashwini Ponnappa has announced her retirement from her Olympic career following her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. As a three-time Olympian, she acknowledged the immense pressure and expectations placed on athletes and highlighted the necessity of thorough preparation for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Her departure signifies a significant moment for Indian badminton, reflecting her more than fifteen years of representing India on the international stage. Raised in Bengaluru, Ashwini emphasized the importance of education alongside sports, noting that one can always rely on education if their athletic pursuits do not go as planned. She also shared admiration for Vinesh Phogat and discussed her unfortunate exit from the competition.Ashwini emphasizes the intense pressure experienced by athletes during the Olympics and relates her empathy with Vinesh, acknowledging the athlete's hard work and perseverance. She suggests that some individuals may struggle with handling criticism on social media and advises staying away from it to maintain mental fortitude during international competitions. Ashwini highlights the importance of proper management of government funding for athletes and stresses the need for building players' confidence along with their skills. She reflects on the challenges of balancing hope and pressure and emphasizes the importance of managing expectations effectively.