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 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.
Prakash currently lives in Bangalore with wife Ujjala and two daughters. His
daughter Deepika
Padukone is a famous model and actress. .
