"Both my parents and I were in tears" - Emotional Tanisha Crasto recounts Paris sojourn with pride after ending year on winning note [Exclusive]
Tanisha Crasto is "super happy" to have ended the year on a winning note following podium finishes in women's doubles and mixed doubles in front of a home crowd in Guwahati and Lucknow.
Nonetheless, the 21-year-old shuttler struggled to hold back her tears while attempting to piece together her Paris sojourn in the context of her parents being by her side during the big event.
During the course of an exclusive interaction with Sportskeeda, an emotional Tanisha Crasto relived her maiden Olympic experience both on and off the court while also expressing her profound affinity towards Ashwini Ponnappa.
Paris was special for first-time Olympian Tanisha Crasto who narrated the unique features of the special Olympic phones which displayed the Olympic logos when switched on and the fun games in the village.
Most of all, the presence of her parents whose unconditional support made the extravaganza memorable moved the Goan player to tears.
"I think the greatest memory would be my parents being there and giving me all the love and support right before my match. That's a moment I will never forget. Both my parents and I, we were in tears," Tanisha stated.
"I clearly remember my mom saying that, you know, whatever happens on court there, we're very proud of you and we love you," said Tanisha while pausing to wipe away the tears. "And today, because of you, we are here. So, I mean, it's bringing tears in my eyes now, so I'm just going to stop. But that is one of the greatest memories I think I'll take back."
The joy of clicking photographs alongside "didi" (Ashwini Ponnappa) brought the smile back on Tanisha's face even as she drove home the point that the pair had to really work hard to make it to the Paris Olympics.
"We had been given these special Olympic phones. And, as soon as you open it, it has these Olympic logos. Of course, the village was great. There were so many fun things to do there. Didi and I, we've taken so many photos in the village and also taken part in so many games in the village," she recalled.
"I think more than the Olympics, it was the journey prior to that. It was a very tough journey. And Didi and I, we really worked together to make it to the Olympics," Tanisha declared.
Despite being unable to notch up wins, Tanisha was unequivocal while stressing that both she and Ashwini gave it their all in Paris.
"I think on that given day, that's the maximum that we could have done. It's just about who puts out the best show on that given day. If I have another chance, I would love to play them again and hopefully have a better result. But Didi and I, we both know that we put out whatever we could that day on court," she explained.
Tanisha Crasto was all praise for mixed doubles partner Dhruv Kapila after the duo won the silver medal at Syed Modi Super 300 International in Lucknow.
Stressing that Dhruv, who had suffered an ankle tear a couple of weeks before the competition wasn't really expected to play in Lucknow, Tanisha disclosed that her partner was only "90 per cent fit."
"It is very, very satisfying because right after the Olympics, the majority of my focus has shifted towards mixed doubles. And it's a new partnership (with Dhruv Kapila). We weren't really expecting much, but we were really confident about ourselves," Tanisha stated.
"To be honest, we were not supposed to play Syed Modi because Dhruv had suffered a massive tear in his ankle a couple of weeks before Syed Modi. And we didn't really think he'd recover, but he had a very speedy recovery. And even for Syed Modi, he was only 90% recovered. But he put up a fabulous show," said Tanisha.
Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila overcame China's Zhou Zhi Hong and Yang Jia in the semifinals of the Syed Modi International before going down to the Thai pair of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran in the final.
"I love her from the bottom of my heart" - Tanisha Crasto showers plaudits on Ashwini Ponnappa
Tanisha Crasto's bond with Ashwini Ponnappa extends well beyond the precincts of the badminton court. The duo recently defended their women's doubles title at the Guwahati Masters Super 100 after having made it to the semifinals of the Syed Modi International.
Stressing that Ashwini has helped her grow as an individual, Tanisha also disclosed that her senior partner has taught her to be more disciplined with her sport and herself.
"She has played one of the most important roles in my life. Her coming into the picture has helped me grow so much as an individual and helped me grow so much in my game. I think I've learned to be more disciplined with my sport and with myself. And, you know, enjoy the sport a little more," Tanisha Crasto divulged.
The Dubai-born player emphasized that Ashwini was like an elder sister who she could talk to about "anything and everything" while also being a foodie much like her.
"Didi and I are like huge foodies. So we love having food together and keep trying new, different experiences. She's someone who helps me come out and, you know, see the world. I love her from the bottom of my heart. I consider her like my elder sister. Because I know I can talk to her about anything and everything," said Tanisha in a tone that mirrored the admiration.
"She will never judge me. Even on the court, I feel like my opinions are valued. There are times when I want to take charge, where it's like, let's do this, let's do that. She really respects that and follows through with it," she added. "And there's no senior-junior thing that happens where she wants to dominate or something like that."
Tanisha Crasto also revealed that she has given Ashwini a commitment that she will play alongside her as long as required.
"I've given her a commitment that whenever she's playing, I will play with her. Because I really enjoy playing with her," said the player who was part of the Indian team that won gold in the women's team event at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships.
Admitting that she is the more animated of the two on the court, Tanisha highlighted Ashwini's calmness and her ability to handle situations better.
"So I might have a puzzled look, looking at her in doubt. But she's the one who will just smile at me. Like, it's okay. You know, just never mind. Leave this point. Let's focus on the next. So she's the calm person. And the one who handles situations better," Tanisha Crasto observed.
The best is yet to come for Tanisha Crasto who has her sights set on the Malaysia Super 1000 and India's biggest tournament, the 2025 India Open in Delhi, coming up in January.
"The year is starting with one of the biggest tournaments. It's the Malaysia Super 1000. We have really, I wouldn't say high expectations. But we really wish to do very well in the Super 1000. And of course India's biggest tournament, the 750 is happening in Delhi. So very excited for that," she stated.
Tanisha Crasto had made it to the quarterfinals of the women's doubles event of the 2024 Malaysia Open partnering Ashwini Ponnappa and would like nothing better than to begin the new season with a bang in Kuala Lumpur.