PRAKASH PADUKONE-Badminton Player

Prakash Padukone is one of the noted Badminton player of India. He was born on 10th June 1955, in Bangalore. At the age of 14, he became the National Junior Badminton Champion and at 15, the National Champion.

He was the National Badminton Champion for nine consecutive years during 1970-78. When he was only 15, he made a record by winning junior boys and men's singles badminton titles in 1971. In 1980, he won the Badminton Grand Slam by winning three major international badminton tournaments including All England Badminton Championship. He also represented India in Thomas Cup Matches. In the 7th Asian Games, held at Tehran in 1974, he won a bronze medal. In the Common Wealth Games held at Edmonton (Canada) in 1978, Prakash won the final of men's single's event by beating Ray Talbot of Britain in straight sets and won a gold medal. In the First World Games held in USA (1981), he was awarded a bronze medal. He also won the Alba World Cup in the same year defeating Han Jain of China.

He received 'Arjuna' award in 1972. He is estimated to have won about 15 International titles in the first half of 1980's. He was ranked number one in 1980 and 1981 in the world rankers. After his career

Prakash currently lives in Bangalore with wife Ujjala and two daughters. His daughter Deepika Padukone is a famous model and actress. . he served as a chief of Badminton Association of India for a few years. Later he resigned. Now he is concentrating on conducting high standard tournaments, camps and workshops specially for juniors through his academy based at Bangalore.