Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto are a great team! They started playing together because they thought they would be good partners. They became friends quickly and really enjoy playing badminton together. Ashwini is very experienced, and Tanisha is a new star. Together, they are a strong team for India.
Despite a significant age gap, the duo quickly developed a strong bond both on and off the court. Their unwavering support and shared goals have been instrumental in their rapid rise in the badminton world. The quarterfinal finish at the 2023 Hong Kong Open served as a pivotal moment, boosting their confidence and solidifying their partnership.
With Ashwini’s Olympic experience and Tanisha’s youthful exuberance, the pair presents a formidable combination. Their journey to the Paris Olympics is a testament to the belief in their abilities and their relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Olympics has always been the ultimate goal for any athlete, and these two badminton stalwarts are no different. Representing India on the world’s biggest stage is a dream come true. Their journey has been marked by hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in their abilities. As they stand on the brink of the Olympics, their determination to win a medal for India is stronger than ever.
| Category | Tanisha Crasto | Ashwini Ponnappa |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Tanisha Crasto | Ashwini Ponnappa |
| Date of Birth | 5 May 2003 (age 21) | 18 September 1989 (age 34) |
| Place of Birth | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Current Residence | Hyderabad, India | Hyderabad, India |
| Nationality | Indian (formerly represented Bahrain and UAE) | Indian |
| Handedness | Right | Right |
| Height | – | 1.64 m (5 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | – | 60 kg (132 lb) |
| Coach | Pullela Gopichand, Arun Vishnu | N/A |
| Years Active | 2016–present | 2007–present |
| Highest Ranking | 20 (WD with Ashwini Ponnappa, January 2024) | 10 (WD with Jwala Gutta, August 2015) |
| Current Ranking | 21 (WD with Ashwini Ponnappa, May 2024) 97 (XD with K. Sai Pratheek, May 2024) | 21 (WD with Tanisha Crasto, April 2024) 109 (XD with B. Sumeeth Reddy, April 2024) |
| Notable Achievements | – Women’s doubles champion at the 2016 Bahrain International Challenge | – Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2010 (Women’s Doubles) |
| – Youngest winner of the UAE Open tournament (2017) | – Bronze medal at BWF World Championships 2011 (Women’s Doubles) | |
| – Runners-up at the 2021 Scottish Open (Mixed Doubles) | – Multiple gold and silver medals at Commonwealth Games and South Asian Games | |
| Career Highlights | – Represented Bahrain (2013–2016) – Represented UAE (2017) – Represented India (2018–present) | – Successful partnership with Jwala Gutta – Participated in Uber Cup and Sudirman Cup |
| Medals | – Bronze in Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023 – Gold in Asia Team Championships 2024 | – Bronze in World Championships 2011 – Gold in Commonwealth Games 2018 (Mixed Team) |
| Major Tournaments | – 2016 Bahrain International Challenge – 2021 Scottish Open – 2022 Syed Modi International | – Uber Cup – Sudirman Cup – Commonwealth Games – Asian Games |
| Marital Status | Not married | Married to Karan Medappa (December 24, 2017) |
Paris 2024 Olympics: All the Action Featuring India – Schedule & IST Timings