Bengaluru's Ashwini Ponnappa has announced her retirement from her Olympic career following her participation in the Paris Olympics 2024. As a three-time Olympian, she highlighted the pressure and high expectations faced by athletes, emphasizing the importance of preparation for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Her exit signifies a significant moment for Indian badminton, encapsulating her representation of India on the international stage for more than fifteen years.

When Bengaluru native and Indian badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa bid farewell to her Olympic journey at the Paris Olympics 2024, the nation showed sympathy for the athlete. As a three-time Olympian, she has carried India's aspirations globally for over fifteen years. "There was indeed immense hope pinned on a few events at the Olympics. Each athlete in the Indian contingent aimed to outperform the previous editions. The pressure leading up to each Olympics, even for seasoned athletes, is immense over four years. Hope and pressure coexist and it is crucial how one manages expectations. It is now time for all of us to reflect and prepare for Los Angeles 2028," expressed an optimistic Ashwini.

Born and raised in Bengaluru, Ashwini admires the strong fan base that sports like hockey, football, and cricket enjoy in the city. While badminton has always been her primary passion, she emphasizes the significance of education alongside a sporting interest, especially for young individuals. "Education and sports must complement each other. Relying solely on sports may not guarantee success. In case your sporting career does not pan out as expected, you can always fall back on your education."

Ashwini also shared insights on wrestler Vinesh Phogat and her premature exit from the competition, emphasizing the valuable lessons that can be learned from such experiences."I missed the opportunity to interact with her, but I believe her aspirations would have been crushed. I deeply understand Vinesh's situation. She is a dedicated athlete who worked tirelessly and fought her way to the final. Her journey has been remarkable; there are many valuable lessons to be learned from her," Ashwini shares.

Ashwini advises that managing social media criticism can vary from person to person. To maintain a strong mental state and avoid external pressure during major events like the Olympics, she suggests staying away from social media. "I personally experienced a lot of negative feedback on social media during the Paris Olympics. While some individuals can ignore criticism, not everyone has that capability. I have learned from that experience," she explains.

Although athletes receive funding from the government, it is essential that this support is utilized effectively. Not all players have high mental resilience. Coaches and support staff should focus on building players' confidence in addition to their skills.

Ashwini Ponnappa underscores the immense pressure experienced by athletes during the Olympics. Balancing hope and pressure is a delicate art, depending on how one manages expectations.