A look at Ashwini Ponappa/Tanisha Crastro's qualification for Paris Olympics 2024

Ashwini Ponappa became the third badminton player from India to qualify for three Olympics.

Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto, who came together last year ensured their qualification for the Paris Olympics through their consistent performances in the Olympic cycle. This will also ensure India field a seven-member contingent in Paris, the joint-highest with Rio 2016. India, who missed the women’s doubles ticket in Tokyo will now also have representatives in Paris courtesy of Ashwini/Tanisha. Ashwini has become the third badminton player from India to qualify for three Olympics (2012, 2016, 2024). 

The journey was challenging, as the pair was formed just a year ago and qualifying was never an easy task. Both of them kept their spirits high and passed every hurdle that came their way to qualify for the Olympics. Their consistent performances and determination helped them to earn a ticket to Paris.

Also read: A look at HS Prannoy’s qualification for Paris Olympics 2024

How did Ashwini/Tanisha qualify for the Olympics?

Ashwini/Tanisha secured their qualification for the Paris Olympics by finishing 21st in the Race to Paris, amassing 51960 points. The Race to Paris considers the top 10 tournaments during the Olympic cycle’s qualification period. This period began on May 1, 2023 and concluded on April 28, 2024.

Ashwini/Tanisha’s Journey to Paris Olympics

Ashwini was earlier partnered with Sikki Reddy, but then the pair split up. Ashwini took a break from women’s doubles and played mixed doubles with B. Sumeeth Reddy. Tanisha was earlier partnering with Shruti Mishra in women’s doubles and Ishaan Bhatnagar in mixed doubles.

Unfortunately, Ishaan got injured and was ruled out of competition for a long time. Ashwini then partnered with Sai Pratheek in mixed doubles, but the partnership didn’t work out, and they split up. Ashwini and Tanisha decided to pair up and give their combination a try.

They played their first tournament together at the Indonesia Masters (Super 500), where they reached the quarterfinals. From there, they never looked back and continued climbing up the rankings. Ashwini, who will be playing in her last Olympics, is looking to make this a memorable one. Tanisha, in between, also paired with Dhruv Kapila, but as the Olympic qualification came closer, she decided to focus on women’s doubles.

Ashwini and Tanisha have won three titles in the Olympic cycle — Guwahati Masters Super 100, Abu Dhabi Masters Super 100, and Nantes International Challenge. They also finished runners-up at the Syed Modi Super 300 and Odisha Open Super 100 and had semi-final finishes at the Indonesia Masters Super 500. They also reached the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Open Super 1000 and Spain Masters Super 300.

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Major highlights of their career

• Part of the women’s team that won the Badminton Asia Championship 2024
• Guwahati Masters 2023 Winners (Super 100)
• Abu Dhabi Masters 2023 Winners (Super 1000)
• Nantes International 2023 Winners (International Challenge)

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