Bigger group increases Olympic medal chances : Ashwini

WOMEN'S DOUBLES SHUTTLER ASHWINI PONNAPPA has all her preparations set for the Rio Olympics as she is confident heading into it.

Talking to Deccan Chronicle the Bengaluru shuttler said,

"I am confident heading into the tournament. It’s our second time at the Olympics."

But she also stated that it doesn't matter if it is the first or second appearance at the prestigious event because it holds equal importance.

"Whether it’s first or second really doesn’t matter. It will always have the same value as the previous one. But yes, we will probably have a slight advantage. It definitely helps us as we know how the environment will be and what to expect. I am as excited as I was the last time and I’m really looking forward to it."

In the 2012 London Olympics Ashwini and her partner Jwala Gutta failed to go beyond group stages but she is hoping for better this time.

"We would obviously love to win, at least return home with a medal. We have been training very hard and things our looking pretty good. We have been training in Hyderabad over the past few days. It has been very good since both of us are training together, so that helps. We have a few tournaments coming up before Rio. And then we still will have a few weeks just to train."

The 26-year-old treats all her opponents equally and doesn't want to differentiate between them.

"In a tournament of this scale you cannot underestimate anyone. We are not taking anyone likely because everyone will be giving their best. But yes, we are definitely most wary of the Chinese. They are going to be the most difficult opponents."

She is also happy that India is fielding a bigger contingent in badminton this year.

"The fact that we have a bigger contingent this time will definitely work in our favour, as we will be participating in more categories. It’s pretty good to go into the tournament with a bigger group. With a bigger group our chances of returning with a medal will be higher."