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India is rapidly transforming into a sporting powerhouse, proving that its potential extends far beyond just cricket. One of the pioneers of Indian badminton, Prakash Padukone, shared his inspiring journey at the Ideas of India 2025 summit, shedding light on the challenges he faced while pursuing badminton in an era when the sport had little recognition in South India.
Prakash Padukone: A Trailblazer in Indian Badminton
Padukone, father of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, created history by becoming the youngest player to win the National Senior Championship at just 16 in 1971.
Speaking exclusively to ABP Live, he reflected on his early years in the sport:
"When I started playing in 1962, badminton was hardly popular, especially in South India. It was played mostly in the North, East, and West, but in the South, another game called ‘ball-badminton’ was more common. If you told someone you played badminton, they assumed it was ball-badminton, so you had to specify that you played shuttle badminton."
The Struggles of Playing Badminton in the 1960s
Padukone recalled the lack of infrastructure and support for the sport in his hometown, Bangalore:
"Back then, Bangalore had only five badminton courts, and three of them were in wedding halls. For half the year, they were booked for weddings, so we could play only when they were free!"
Despite these challenges, Padukone’s father, who moved from Bombay to Bangalore, played a crucial role in promoting the sport.
"My father started the state badminton association. He was an administrator, and I used to accompany him, which sparked my interest in the game."
From Passion to Profession
Initially, Padukone played badminton just for fun, with no idea whether he would even represent his district or state.
"I started at the age of seven, with my father as my first coach. Later, I learned by watching other players, as there were no structured training programs back then. It was only when I won the national championship at 15 or 16 that I considered taking it up professionally."
His determination, self-learning, and passion for the game eventually led him to become one of India’s greatest badminton legends, paving the way for future generations.
India’s Rise as a Sporting Powerhouse
Today, India is making waves in multiple sports, and legends like Prakash Padukone have played a key role in shaping the country’s sporting landscape. His journey stands as an inspiration for young athletes, proving that with dedication and perseverance, success is possible—even when the odds are stacked against you.
