Tanisha-Ashwini: The Right Mix Of Youth And Experience

Their recent good run means they now have avery strong chance of making the cut as India’s only women’s pair at the Olympics

- Sandip Sikdar

For many years, Ashwini Ponnappa has been ending the season ona note of discontent. Having once reached the top echelons, the lack of success in the last few seasons had become difficult to digest. The hardest part as you get older is training day in, day out, putting in the hard work and not getting results because then you start questioning everything,” said the 34-year-old.

But a decision late last year to partner Tanisha Crasto,20, has brought about such a change that Ashwini is not just delighted with how 2023 has turned out but is already eyeing the next season.

“It’s been really sweet. It is exciting to be on court. 1am in a space where you really want to work as it’s nice to see that work being translated into results. That is very motivating. I am grateful that this has been a year of change,” said the shuttler.

Following a successful stint with Jwala Gutta where they won a World Championships bronze, an Asian Championships bronze, Commonwealth Games gold and silver, Ashwini started partnering Sikki Reddy when Jwala retired in 2016. But the partnership never really took off as Ashwini and Sikki didn’t win a tournament in six years, leading to their split post the 2022 World Championships.