Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto on Brink of Early Exit at Paris Olympics
Indian women’s doubles pair face uphill battle after second consecutive defeat
Indian badminton duo Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto are on the verge of an early exit from the Paris Olympics after suffering their second consecutive defeat in the group stage. The pair, seeded 19th in the world, were outclassed by the formidable Japanese duo of Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, the world number four, in a 48-minute encounter.
A Disappointing Performance
The Indian pair struggled to match the intensity and precision of their Japanese opponents. They were overwhelmed in both games, losing 11-21 and 12-21. Despite their best efforts, Ponnappa and Crasto were unable to find a rhythm or create any significant opportunities to challenge their higher-ranked adversaries.
This defeat puts the Indian duo in a precarious position. With two losses in the group stage, their chances of progressing to the quarterfinals now hinge on the results of other matches and a highly unlikely set of circumstances.
Key Takeaways:
- Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto suffered their second consecutive defeat in the women’s doubles group stage.
- Their chances of progressing to the quarterfinals are now slim.
- The early exit is a major disappointment for Indian badminton.
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The Road Ahead
Ponnappa and Crasto will face Australia’s Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu in their final group match.
The early exit of the Indian women’s doubles pair is a significant setback for the Indian badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics. The duo had carried the hopes of the nation, but their performance has fallen short of expectations.
The Indian badminton team will now focus on the remaining events, hoping for better fortunes in the mixed doubles and men’s and women’s singles competitions.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.