Ponnappa's journey into badminton started with her mother giving her a racket and paper balls to keep her busy. She excelled at hitting them and soon began playing with family and friends. As she grew older, badminton became a serious pursuit, leaving little time for other activities.

Training and Coaching

Ponnappa trains rigorously with two sessions per day. She combines on-court practice with an hour-long gym session. Her fitness coach is Deckline Leitao, while Paul Stewart assists with mental conditioning. This comprehensive training regime helps her maintain peak performance.

Achievements and Milestones

Ponnappa has an impressive list of achievements. She won gold in women's doubles at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and bronze at the 2011 World Championships in London. She and Jwala Gutta were the first Indian female badminton players to win a world championship medal in doubles.

They also became the first Indian players to win gold in any doubles event at the Commonwealth Games. In 2018, Ponnappa was part of the first Indian team to claim gold in the mixed team event at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Injuries and Recovery

Ponnappa faced several challenges due to injuries. After competing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, she suffered from dengue fever, which caused pain in her Achilles tendon. Doctors advised a three-month break from training, and it took her around 18 months to fully recover.

She also struggled with back issues in 2010. These experiences led her to follow an individual fitness programme tailored to her needs. Working with Deckline Leitao since 2016 has been crucial for her recovery and ongoing fitness.

Personal Life and Influences

Ponnappa resides in Bengaluru with her husband Karan Medappa. She speaks Hindi, Kannada, and English fluently. Her family has been the most influential factor in her career. Her father was a state-level hockey player for Karnataka, while her uncle played state-level cricket.

Sporting Philosophy

Ponnappa lives by the motto, "Luck comes to those who work hard." This philosophy reflects her dedication and commitment to badminton. Her hero is Swiss tennis player Roger Federer, whose career she admires greatly.

Playing Doubles

At age 19, Ponnappa shifted focus from singles to doubles disciplines. Although she loved playing singles, her performances in doubles were better. Over time, she adapted to playing both women's and mixed doubles, learning to trust her partners on the court.

New Partnership

In December 2022, Ponnappa began teaming up with Tanisha Crasto in women's doubles. Despite their 14-year age difference, Ponnappa does not see herself as a mentor due to Crasto's experience. She appreciates Crasto's energy and speed on the court.

Awards and Honours

Ponnappa received the Arjuna Award from the Indian government in 2012 for her contributions to badminton. This prestigious award recognises outstanding achievement in national sports.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Ponnappa aims to win a medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Her dedication and rigorous training regime indicate that she is well-prepared for this challenge.

Ashwini Ponnappa's journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Her achievements have made significant contributions to Indian badminton, inspiring many young athletes across the country.