All eyes this Olympics will be on Bengaluru hudugi and badminton ace Ashwini Ponnappa. Humility and girl-next-door qualities are what best describe her. Currently training in Hyderabad, Ashwini spends seven hours a day getting her act together. The 22-year-old’s affair with the racquet started when she was eight-years-old. She says, “The pressure I put on myself is more than what people put on me. Here is something I really enjoy and I just go on court and have fun.”

This passionate tennis pro’s parents and brother will be travelling with her to London. About her trip to London she says, “I am looking forward to going to the mega event and doing well. I would also like to catch other matches, particularly tennis and the athletics 100 metre dash. If we get some free time, we can go out and explore London.”

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa are currently number 14 in the world ranking in the women’s doubles category, after their victory at the 2010 Common Wealth Games and the World Championship last year. “I like listening and learning from Jwala. When we travel together, after the game we go shopping and discover places,” says Ashwini.

Ashwini admits she misses Bengaluru, but loves Hyderabad just as much. She says, “It’s a really nice place and the lifestyle is very different. The roads are really good in Hyderabad. Bengaluru is where my friends and cousins are and I really miss them.” She admits to being a spoilt child at home. She says, “After a game, it is nice to come home and talk to my family and get their opinion. I’ve never had to diet but with mom ensuring I eat healthy, I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Ashwini owes her success to her parents and coaches. She says, “I owe it to the coaches who have put in hard work to get me where I am. My folks sacrificed a lot and often took time off work for me.” Every sports person inspires this ambitious girl. “I tend to learn from everyone, for instance, I love how Roger Federer keeps his emotions within,” she says.

Her simplicity is so overwhelming that 10 minutes into the conversation, you get a feeling of chatting with a close friend. After the Olympics, she is looking forward to going on a long overdue holiday with friends. She says, “I love going out with my friends. I also like lazing around at home, watching TV and reading books. I watch movies when I am touring.” A romantic at heart, Ashwini adds, “I love romantic films and books. Once I have a really good book in hand, nothing can move me.”

About her frequent visits to Bengaluru, this girl with a sweet tooth says, “When I come I don’t even get time to breathe. I meet everyone and don’t miss out on the hot chocolate fudge at Corner House, Frescos, the Mississippi Mud pie at Shezan and all of Bengaluru’s other amazing dessert places.” After four years of staying in Hyderabad, Ashwini’s family is moving back to Bengaluru this August. She says, “I’m not sure where I’ll train.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Khushali P. Madhwani , DC / June 27th, 2012