After coming through a test by fire in the semifinals against Tamil Nadu’s VR Nardhana and Hariharan Amsakarunan, Ashwini Ponnappa and Sai Prateek were more at ease in the final with a 21-15, 21-13 victory.

Ashwini has without doubt been one of the finest doubles players in India, having partnered with left-handers Jwala Gutta and N Sikki Reddy in her distinguished career.

Ever since she broke into the big league, the lissome Ashwini Ponnappa is used to being in the spotlight. 

The Women’s Doubles’ specialist was embarking on a new journey as a Mixed Doubles player. Her first partner: her own Karnataka statemate K Sai Prateek in the 36th National Games.

“I am very happy that we started with the National Games title,” 33-year-old Ashwini said after wrapping up their victory. “Incidentally, this is my first gold in the National Games,” she pointed out.

Ashwini has without doubt been one of the finest doubles players in India, having partnered with left-handers Jwala Gutta and N Sikki Reddy in her distinguished career.

After coming through a test by fire in the semifinals against Tamil Nadu’s VR Nardhana and Hariharan Amsakarunan, Ashwini Ponnappa and Sai Prateek were more at ease in the final with a 21-15, 21-13 victory.