"Things changed after we won the Commonwealth Games" - Interview with Ashwini Ponnappa

There are kids in the not-so-affluent regions of our country who are really good but can’t afford moving to a nearby city in order to get enrolled in a good badminton academy. Can’t badminton academies open up in such regions?

Now that badminton is an upcoming sport, there are many new academies opening [in new regions], and there are kids who are taking interest in badminton.

It’s a slow process; it’s not like it is in China or Malaysia, we’re getting there slowly, but steadily, which is good. As of now, badminton is very popular in places like Bangalore, Hyderabad etc. and there are a lot of academies there.

“Kids are taking interest in badminton” – Ashwini Ponnappa

Can’t something like scouting be done to search for new talented badminton players across the country?

It’d be great if there’s something like that; that’d be amazing. I’m sure in the near future something like that will happen and hope it starts happening soon.

It is something that’s important and, at the same time, it needs to be done in a fair manner. I mean, you can have scouting but then, the ones who deserve may not get picked and if that happens, it would be pointless.

So, according to me, what’s important is whatever is being done should happen fairly. There should be a fair and open policy, as in it should be open to everyone and done on the basis of merit, and not something that’s hidden and biased.

Are there any loopholes or politics involved in this game?

Um, that’s something I can’t answer Mehul.

We belong to the generation which finds it really easy to get distracted because of the gadgets around us? Does it affect you?

Well, when I practice, I just practice and I guess, that’s what every sportsperson does.

But yes, I do check my phone during the break and yes, we are a bit hooked onto gadgets (I’d be lying if I say that I’m not). But, at the same time, it doesn’t affect me or my game because I know what we want to do and I’m well aware of the job at hand.

Ashwini Ponnappa

It was a pleasure interviewing you, but before winding up, one last question - Your fans, including me, expect a lot from you. Do you expect anything from us, the fans?

I think, as of now, we are getting a lot of support from you all which is really nice. Knowing that you have fans who really want you to do well gets you going and want to achieve more.

And it helps a lot more when you’re going through a bad patch. When you know that there are people who admire your game and like you for your game, it really motivates you and at the end of the day, it really matters.

Thanks for all the love you all have been showering. It means a lot!

We’ll always be there for you. All the very best for the World Championships and the IBL! Hope you do really well!

Thanks Mehul and all the best to you too. Take care!