Ashwini Ponnappa aims to carry positivity into the new year with bigger event performances

Indian shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa, 34, fueled her Olympic aspirations with a series of victories in the past two weeks. Partnering with 20-year-old Tanisha Crasto, the duo clinched their third women's doubles title and second Super 100 crown at the Guwahati Masters by defeating Chinese Taipei's Sung Shuo Yun and Yu Chien Hui.
Following their success, Ponnappa and Crasto are expected to climb to world No. 23 in the upcoming BWF ranking, bringing them closer to the top 16 - the qualification cutoff for the Paris Olympics.

Paris Olympics and focus on performance:

With an eye on the Paris Olympics, Ponnappa emphasized the importance of maintaining their fine form in upcoming tournaments. While acknowledging the ultimate goal of Olympic participation, she highlighted the duo's focus on consistent high performance in each competition they enter.
Ponnappa emphasized the complexity of the journey to the Olympics, stating that their primary focus is on simplifying their approach, concentrating on performance, and letting the qualification unfold naturally.

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Proven success in 2023:

The duo's successful run in 2023 includes victories at the Abu Dhabi Masters Super 100 and Nantes International Challenge. As they transition to larger tournaments, Ponnappa and Crasto aim to carry the positivity from their recent achievements into the coming year, starting with the Odisha Open Super 100 in Cuttack.
Acknowledging the challenges of maintaining performance at 34, Ponnappa credited her dedication to diet and nutrition. She highlighted the importance of mindful eating and a disciplined approach to her diet, making necessary adjustments for optimal physical well-being.

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