Bengaluru native Ashwini Ponnappa officially announced her retirement from competitive Olympics following her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. As a three-time Olympian, she acknowledged the immense pressure and expectations placed on athletes, emphasizing the necessity of thorough preparation for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games. Her decision to step down signifies a significant moment for Indian badminton, summarizing over fifteen years of representing India on the global stage. Raised in Bengaluru, Ashwini expressed gratitude for the city's strong support across various sports like hockey, football, and cricket, while underscoring the pivotal role of education alongside athletic pursuits. She urged aspiring athletes to value education as a backup plan in case their sports career does not unfold as expected. Additionally, Ashwini highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of hope and pressure, offering insights from her journey and emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to sports and education.Ashwini appreciates Vinesh's journey as an athlete, understanding the hard work and determination it takes to reach the finals. She feels that there is much to be learned from Vinesh's incredible story. Ashwini advises athletes to avoid social media during major events like the Olympics to maintain a strong mental state and protect themselves from external pressures. Reflecting on her own experience during the Paris Olympics, Ashwini believes that not everyone can handle criticism from social media, emphasizing the importance of managing mental well-being. She underscores the need for proper utilization of government funding for athletes, acknowledging that not all players possess the same level of mental toughness. Ashwini emphasizes the role of coaches and support staff in nurturing players' confidence alongside their skills to help them withstand the immense pressure of global competitions like the Olympics.