Lesser Known Facts About Prakash Padukone, The Gentle Tiger

Think about badminton, and this stalwart is pictured instantly in our heads. From being the first-ever winner of the All-England Badminton Championship to initiating the Olympic Gold Quest in collaboration with Get Sethi, the billiards and snooker champion, Prakash Padukone has contributed immensely to the Indian badminton. His consistent efforts and dedication to promote the sport thereby enlighten the young talented pool about the sport is unparalleled.

The Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy started off in the year October 1. 1984 alongwith his team mates and friends Vimal Kumar and Vivek Kumar to further train and nurture the future of badminton. Lakshya Sen and many other significant badminton players are a part of his badminton academy and doing wonders!

Today, on his 24^th birthday, we shall talk about some of the lesser known facts about this legendary Gentle Tiger.

Prakash Padukone was introduced to badminton by his father Ramesh Padukone who worked as the secretary at Mysore Badminton Association.

Padukone created the record of being the National Championship starting from 1970 to 1978.

Prakash won both the boy’s and men’s single titles in 1971.

He was felicitated with Arjuna Award in 1972 and Padma Shri in the year 1982.

Padukone also won the First Open Prize Money Tournament in 1981.

It is often said that the President of Mysore Bdaminton Association promised to give him a new racket after he lost his first-game and blamed the racquet for his defeat.

Prakash beat his idol Rudy Hartono in the Swedish Open.

Padukone won a Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games of 1978.