Ashwini Ponnappa is one of India’s most successful doubles badminton players. She has represented India for over a decade and continues to inspire young athletes.
Even after announcing her retirement from the Olympics, she remains active on the professional circuit.
In this article, you will know Ashwini Ponnappa’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Ashwini Ponnappa’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashwini Ponnappa Machimanda |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1989 |
| Age | 36 Years |
| Education | St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad (B.Com) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2001 (Junior), 2007 (Senior) |
| Net Worth | Approx. INR 5-10 Crore ($650,000 – $1.2 Million) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Approx. $130,000+ (Prize Money) |
| Husband | Karan Medappa |
| Instagram Profile | @p9ashwini |
| Twitter Profile | @P9Ashwini |
Early Career
Ashwini Ponnappa was born in Bangalore and comes from a family of sports lovers. Her father, M.A. Ponnappa, played hockey for India, but Ashwini chose a different path.
She picked up a badminton racket at a very young age and showed great talent early on. She completed her schooling at St. Francis Xavier Girls High School in Bangalore before moving to Hyderabad for better training opportunities.
In 2001, she won the Indian Junior Championships, which was her first big victory. She later won a gold medal at the South Asian Games in 2006, proving she was ready for the big stage.
Although she started as a singles player, coaches noticed her strong smash and quick reflexes. They advised her to focus on doubles, a decision that changed the course of her career forever.
Professional Career
Ashwini’s professional career took off when she paired with Jwala Gutta. Together, they became India’s best women’s doubles pair. Their biggest moment came in 2010 when they won the Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
This victory made them household names in India. In 2011, they created history again by winning a bronze medal at the World Championships in London, becoming the first Indian pair to do so.
After Jwala Gutta retired, Ashwini played with partners like N. Sikki Reddy and later Tanisha Crasto. With Tanisha, she qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although they did not win a medal, Ashwini played with great spirit.
She announced her retirement from the Olympics after the Paris games but continued to play on the BWF World Tour in 2025 and 2026. She remains a key player in leagues like the Premier Badminton League (PBL), representing teams like the Bengaluru Raptors.
Husband
Ashwini Ponnappa is married to Karan Medappa. He is a businessman and a model based in South India.
The couple dated for a long time before getting married on December 24, 2017. Their wedding took place in Coorg, Karnataka, and followed traditional Kodava customs.
Ashwini wore a traditional Kodava saree, and Karan wore a “Kuppasa Datti” for the ceremony. The wedding was a private affair attended by close family and sports stars like Rohan Bopanna.
Ashwini Ponnappa’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Ashwini Ponnappa’s net worth is estimated to be between INR 5 Crore and INR 10 Crore ($650,000 – $1.2 Million).
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Approx. USD) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,884 | BWF Prize Money |
| 2024 | $15,000+ | BWF Tour & Leagues |
| 2023 | $12,500+ | BWF Tour |
| Career Total | $129,042 | Official BWF Prize Money |
Endorsements
Ashwini Ponnappa is a popular face in Indian sports, which helps her attract big brands for sponsorship deals.
She has maintained long-term associations with major badminton equipment makers like Victor and Yonex, who provide her with professional rackets and kit bags.
Beyond sports gear, she is a recognized Red Bull athlete, joining an elite group of global sports stars supported by the energy drink giant.
She also promotes Adidas for their footwear and apparel lines in India, often seen wearing their gear during training and events. Additionally, she endorses Fast&Up, a nutrition brand that supports her on-court fitness needs.
These endorsement deals make up a significant portion of her annual income, proving she remains a valuable brand ambassador even in the later stages of her career.
Career Stats
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Career Wins | 239 Matches |
| Total Career Losses | 239 Matches |
| Highest Ranking | No. 10 (Women’s Doubles) |
| World Championships | Bronze Medal (2011) |
| Commonwealth Games | Gold (2010), Silver (2014), Bronze (2018) |
| Asian Games | Bronze Medal (Team) |
FAQs
1. Who is Ashwini Ponnappa’s husband?
Ashwini Ponnappa’s husband is Karan Medappa. He is a successful model and businessman. They got married in December 2017 in a traditional ceremony in Coorg.
2. What is Ashwini Ponnappa’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around INR 5-10 Crore ($650,000 to $1.2 million). This includes her earnings from badminton prizes, salary, and brand endorsements.
3. Has Ashwini Ponnappa retired from badminton?
She retired from the Olympics after the Paris 2024 Games. However, she still plays professional badminton on the BWF World Tour.
4. How tall is Ashwini Ponnappa?
Ashwini Ponnappa is 1.65 meters tall, which is about 5 feet 5 inches. Her height helps her deliver powerful smashes from the back of the court.
5. Which medals has Ashwini Ponnappa won?
She has won a Gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and a Bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships. She also has medals from the Asian Games.
