Badminton News: Ashwini Ponnappa wants a fresh start in mixed badminton doubles

Ashwini Ponnappa has decided to take a break from competing in the women's doubles category alongside her former partner Nelakurihi Sikki Reddy.

She will shift her focus to mixed doubles and team up with young Indian ace Sai Pratheek Krishnaprasad for the next few months.

Ashwini Ponnappa has previously competed in badminton mixed doubles with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. However, she is teaming up with Sai Pratheek Krishnaprasad to avoid playing against Pratheek Krishnaprasad and Ishan Bhatnagar.

The 33-year-old Banglore native has enjoyed regular success on the badminton circuit in the women's doubles category, having won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games, the bronze medal at the BWF World Championships, the gold medal at BWF Grand Prix in 2015 and silver medal at Syed Modi International in 2018 and Hyderabad Open in 2019.

Ashwini Ponnappa said, "I adore mixed doubles, and I'm anxious to start and build on our combination without being too stressed about an XYZ ranking or XYZ competition."

She further added, Instead of focusing on winning certain events, you should focus on establishing the correct understanding and coordination. The Paris Olympics would be a dream come true, but I have a long way to go before I can even think about qualifying,"

Pratheek Krishnaprasad is a young Indian ace specializing in solid defensive play and explosive backcourt strikes. Ashwini Ponnappa desires to play with Pratheek Krishnaprasad as she believes playing with him would push her to perform and revitalize her career.

Ashwini Ponnappa also believes that her partnership with Nelakurihi Sikki Reddy has reached its full potential. She also shared that Sikki is dedicated to her goals and spends a lot of time training. Ashwini Ponnappa is sure that Sikki will find a new women's doubles partner soon.

The women's doubles duo of Ashwini Ponnappa and Nelakurihi Sikki Reddy have suffered several devastating setbacks over the last few months. Ashwini Ponnappa was saddened by the lack of wins and is trying to rediscover the fun of playing again.

Ashwini Ponnappa said, "When you have your training schedule all planned out, and something unexpected comes up, it can take a toll on your mental health. I enjoy badminton. To perform successfully, I need to have fun.