Ashwini Ponnappa Announces Retirement After Heartbreaking Loss at Paris Olympics

Indian badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa announced her retirement from the Olympics after she and her partner Tanisha Crasto experienced their third consecutive loss in the women's doubles competition at the Paris Games. Ponnappa, a former national champion, was emotional during her announcement and reflected on her successful career with former partner Jwala Gutta.

Indian badminton stalwart Ashwini Ponnappa broke down in tears on Tuesday as she announced that she has played her last Olympics after her and partner Tanisha Crasto's third consecutive loss in the women's doubles competition at the Paris Games.

In their final Group C match, Ashwini and Tanisha were defeated by Australia's Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu 15-21, 10-21, ending their campaign with three consecutive group-stage losses.

“This will be my last, but Tanisha has a long way to go,” said the 34-year-old Ponnappa, a three-time Olympian. She struggled to contain her emotions, reflecting on the emotional toll of competition and acknowledging that she can no longer endure it.