Ashwini Ponnappa Retires from Olympics
Indian badminton star Ashwini Ponnappa has announced her retirement from the Olympics after a disappointing loss in the women’s team event. Ponnappa and her partner Tanisha Crasto were defeated by Australia’s Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu, marking their third consecutive defeat in Group C.
After the match, Ponnappa expressed the emotional and mental toll the competition has taken on her, stating, “It takes a toll emotionally and mentally, I can’t go through this again. It is not easy, you can take all these if you are a little younger. Having played for so long, I can’t take it anymore.”
Men’s Duo Advances to Quarterfinals
In contrast, India’s men’s badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have advanced to the quarterfinals. The pair, ranked number three, secured a straight-game win over Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto. They dominated the match with scores of 21-13, 21-13, showcasing their skill and determination.
The Indian duo worked hard for each point, racing to an early lead and maintaining their advantage throughout the game. Their aggressive play and relentless attack ensured a comfortable victory and a spot in the knockout stage.
Doubts Revealed
Ashwini Ponnappa -: Ashwini Ponnappa is a famous Indian badminton player who has represented India in many international tournaments, including the Olympics.
Olympics -: The Olympics is a big sports event where athletes from all over the world compete in different sports. It happens every four years.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy -: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy is an Indian badminton player who plays in doubles events. He is known for his powerful smashes and quick reflexes.
Chirag Shetty -: Chirag Shetty is another Indian badminton player who partners with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in doubles events. They make a strong team together.
Quarterfinals -: Quarterfinals are the matches that come before the semifinals in a tournament. If you win the quarterfinals, you move on to the semifinals.
Setyana Mapasa -: Setyana Mapasa is a badminton player from Australia who competes in women’s doubles events.
Angela Yu -: Angela Yu is another badminton player from Australia who also competes in women’s doubles events.
Fajar Alfian -: Fajar Alfian is an Indonesian badminton player who competes in men’s doubles events.
Muhammad Rian Ardianto -: Muhammad Rian Ardianto is an Indonesian badminton player who partners with Fajar Alfian in men’s doubles events.