Girja Shankar Dixit
Prakash Padukone, born on June 10, 1955, in Bangalore, is a name synonymous with Indian badminton. His journey began at a young age, inspired by his father’s involvement with the Mysore Badminton Association. Prakash’s passion for the sport was evident early on, as he began participating in tournaments as a child. He quickly made his mark by winning the Karnataka State Junior Championship and, at just 15, clinching his first National Men’s Singles title.
From 1971 to 1979, Padukone reigned supreme in Indian badminton, winning the National Men’s Singles title for nine consecutive years. His extraordinary talent and dedication were recognized with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1972.
Padukone’s international breakthrough came in 1978 when he won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Canada. He spent much of his international career training in Denmark, where he was admired for his soft-spoken demeanor and sharp, deceptive playing style. His time in Denmark proved significant both professionally and personally—his daughter, Deepika Padukone, now a celebrated Bollywood actress, was born there.
The Historic All England Victory
The pinnacle of Padukone’s career came in 1980, when he became the first Indian to win the esteemed All England Badminton Championship. He defeated legends such as Fleming Delfs, Svend Pri, and Morten Frost, and triumphed over Liem Swie King in the finals. This landmark victory not only made him a national hero but also catapulted him to the World No. 1 ranking—a feat unmatched by any Indian player at the time.
Morten Frost, one of Padukone’s contemporaries, once remarked on his unique style:
“Prakash was one of the few who managed to resist the domination of the Chinese and Indonesians with his wristy, deceptive, and counter-attacking play.”
In recognition of his achievements, Padukone was honored with the Padma Shri in 1982.
After retiring from competitive play in 1991, Padukone continued to contribute to Indian badminton. He briefly served as chairman of the Badminton Association of India and coached the national squad from 1993 to 1996. His commitment to nurturing talent led to the co-founding of the Tata Padukone Badminton Academy in Bangalore, which produced future stars like Pullela Gopichand, who himself won the All England title in 2001. Gopichand would go on to establish an academy in Hyderabad, mentoring champions like Saina Nehwal and Olympic silver medallist P.V. Sindhu.
Padukone’s family includes his wife, Ujjala, and two daughters: Deepika, the acclaimed actress, and Anisha, a professional golfer. With characteristic humility, he jokes that while the younger generation knows him as “Deepika’s father,” the older generation remembers Deepika as “Prakash’s daughter.”
Beyond his academy, Padukone is a key figure in the Olympic Gold Quest, an initiative committed to supporting Indian athletes in their pursuit of Olympic success. In a country where cricket often overshadows other sports, Padukone stands out as a beacon of excellence, dedication, and inspiration.
Prakash Padukone’s journey—from a badminton-loving boy in Bangalore to a global icon—is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and vision. His trailblazing achievements not only elevated Indian badminton on the global stage but also laid a solid foundation for future generations. Even in retirement, his relentless dedication to the sport continues to shape Indian badminton.
Prakash Padukone is not just a champion on the court—he is a true legend whose legacy will inspire generations to come.
