There was a time in badminton participant Ashwini Ponnappa’s life final 12 months when she had doubts about how her profession was progressing. She had mutually ended her five-year partnership with Sikki Reddy and there have been sufficient causes for the quick break that Ashwini took.
One, she wasn’t getting any youthful after what she had achieved in a profession spanning 13 years. A bronze within the World Championships, a gold and silver within the Commonwealth Games, an Asian championship bronze, and fairly a few BWF tour titles that not many can emulate.
Drawn to one another
It was right now that the younger and dashing Tanisha Crasto got here on to the scene. While coaching on the Gopi Chand Academy in Hyderabad, Ashwini watched the teenager in motion and instantly took a liking to her perspective and stroke-play.
After a dialogue, the 2 determined to pair up for the world tour from January this 12 months. In a span of 11 months, the pair has had a good season, profitable three titles from 4 finals. The latest success on the Yonex-Sunrise Guwahati Masters BWF Tour Super 100 event augurs nicely for the duo’s ambition of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Indians will now bounce to World No. 23 on December 12, a career-high for the pair.
Having a seasoned participant like Ashwini is a boon for the 20-year-old Tanisha. The 34-year-old doesn’t brood over the losses and as an alternative discusses together with her youthful accomplice the errors they made and the way in which ahead.
The defeat within the second spherical of the Arctic Open in October this 12 months in Vantaa (Finland) was an eye-opener.
Ashwini and Tanisha in motion in opposition to Netherlands through the Yonex Sunrise Guwahati Masters 2023.
| Photo Credit:
RITU RAJ KONWAR
“This year, there was quite a bit of learning at the Finland Open. The draw was favourable. But unfortunately, we didn’t deliver up to our expectations. That was the biggest lesson for us on how to deal with our mind,” mentioned Ashwini.
Tanisha, born in Dubai to Indian dad and mom, is an thrilling expertise. Electric on the internet, diving to retrieve pictures, capable of pounce on something remotely excessive, and going for the ‘kill’ are worthwhile belongings in doubles. On the opposite hand, Ashwini is measured in her actions, retains her cool below stress, and is the proper foil for Tanisha.
“This has been the best partnership at any event for me. I enjoy playing with didi (sister). She is a legend in women’s doubles. I used to look up to her when I was a little girl. I am still learning. She is calm, smiling, and very hard-working. These are qualities I seek to learn,” mentioned Tanisha.
Happy with the progress
Ashwini, too, values the high-octane drive that Tanisha brings to the sport. “Tanisha is young and her energy is what drew her to me. She is someone who complements my game style, and who wants to do well. That’s the vibe I got when I used to watch her play. We’ve had some good wins and some tough losses. The journey has just began and I’m happy that we’ve come this far,” mentioned Ashwini.
On how the partnership was shaped, Tanisha mentioned it was ‘done casually over food’ on the Gopi Chand Academy. Ashwini retorted, “It was not casual. Around November 2022, I had taken a break which was much needed. Tanisha was doing well in mixed doubles with Ishaan (Bhatnagar). We were keen to play with each other and that was the starting point.”
In the not too long ago concluded Guwahati Masters, the pair was a delight to observe. Thanks to Tanisha’s uncooked power, sliding dives, smashes, and Ashwini’s calmness and meticulous actions on courtroom, the 2 dominated the event by not shedding even a sport.
But there are fairly a few areas they nonetheless must work on. There have been phases when there was confusion as to who may take the shot when the shuttle was within the center of the backcourt. In a match of pleasure, Tanisha, at occasions, does make fairly a few useless errors.
“Ashwini has got a lot of calmness on court. Since I am more of an aggressive player, she brings the right balance,” mentioned Tanisha.
The thought of qualifying for Paris does have interaction the duo’s thoughts. The two wish to play nicely and don’t suppose an excessive amount of concerning the quadrennial occasion. “There is always a possibility (of qualifying). We have lots of tournaments left. We want to focus on them and do well,” mentioned Ashwini.
Echoed Tanisha: “I am actually looking at one match at a time. My goal is to perform well in every match. Results will follow. If the Olympics is written for me, it will come to me.”
Quick learner
Ashwini praised Tanisha for being a fast learner. Having performed with 4 different totally different companions, the senior is aware of what she is speaking about
“At different points in my life, I’ve had different partners. I have grown a lot over the years. I am constantly evolving. At this moment, I enjoy playing with Tanisha. I love the energy and excitement she has. I am also learning from her.
“I love the fact that Tanisha is a fast learner. Understanding concepts as a pair on court is critical and crucial. You tell Tanisha something, she will take it up, try and go for it. That’s a quality that lots of players don’t have,” praised Ashwini.
There is little doubt that the pair has loads of potential to make it to Paris. Of course, it isn’t going to be straightforward, because the duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopi Chand is ranked greater (World 19). Still, Ashwini and Tanisha provide hope.
