'Delighted with the recognition'

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced on Monday that legend Prakash Padukone would be the first recipient of the newly inducted Lifetime Achievement Award.

During a meeting held in Bengaluru on June, the members had made a decision to confer the award every year to an eminent individual in recognition of their contribution to badminton.

Speaking to DH, Padukone expressed his happiness at being considered for the award.

“I am delighted that my contribution to Indian Badminton has been recognised,” said the former All England champion.

Padukone has been a great ambassador of badminton for India besides contributing to the sport immensely.

The Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy -- the brain child of Padukone and former national coach Vimal Kumar -- began operations in 1994 and has seen many eminent stars train at its facilities, including the likes of Pullela Gopichand, Aparna Popat and Saina Nehwal.

Acknowledging BAI’s gesture, Padukone said: “It is a good initiative by BAI to recognise individuals who have contributed for the development of badminton in India.

“With something like this on offer, individuals will definitely be motivated to work harder and build the sport further in the country,” he added.

Apart from being an All England champion, Padukone clinched the gold at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and then brought home a bronze from the 1983 World Championship in Copenhagen.

A recipient of Arjuna and Padma Shri awards, Padukone said that he viewed every achievement in the same light.

“Every award has its own significance. I don’t think one should compare awards given by different organisations. Being the first recipient of this award, I feel honoured and privileged.”

Indian shuttlers have enjoyed a fabulous run in 2017 with B Sai Praneeth and Kidambi Srikanth winning the last three Super Series events in Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. In addition, PV Sindhu triumphed at the India Open and missed out narrowly on winning gold at the World Championships last month.

There is only one way in which the sport can move and that is upward, opined Padukone.

“I foresee a bright future for Indian Badminton. Lot of good things are happening on different fronts.

“With a little more proactive role, BAI, SAI and Sports Ministry can take the game to a different level altogether. It is up to the authorities concerned to take the initiative,” he stated.