Disappointing to lose early in World Championships: Ashwini

Ashwini Ponnappa

New Delhi - Unlike the 2011 World Championships in London, the 2013 edition, which concluded in Guangzhou Sunday, wasn’t a great outing for doubles shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa.

The Coorgi had won the women’s doubles bronze medal in 2011 with Jwala Gutta. However, last week Ashwini exited the competition from the first rounds of both women’s and mixed doubles competition.

“It was disappointing to lose in the first round of the World Championships after winning a medal in the last edition. We did not play poorly in terms of the game because I think we were pretty decent. However, decent is not good enough if you want to win,” Ashwini told IANS here Tuesday.

The 23-year-old partnered Pradnya Gadre in women’s and Tarun Kona in mixed doubles.

Talking about the Indian Badminton League which is set to start here Wednesday, the Pune Pistons icon player said: “I think IBL is going to be really good. Now that all the teams and players have arrived it is getting exciting and I can’t wait to get out on to the court.

“It is really nice to have a mixed and cosmopolitan team as you get to mingle with them.”

Asked if upcoming Indian shuttlers will benefit from the Aug 14-31 tournament, she added: “They are going to learn a lot. Being a part of a team which has World No.1 Lee Chong Wei will be a tremendous experience for them. They can see how they prepare for matches and what they do on and off the court.”