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Badminton legend Nandu Natekar passes away at 88
PUNE: One of the pioneers of Indian badminton and the first Indian player (and Punekar) to win an international title, Nandu Natekar, 88, passed away at his residence here on Wednesday
PUNE: One of the pioneers of Indian badminton and the first Indian player (and Punekar) to win an international title, Nandu Natekar, 88, passed away at his residence here on Wednesday. Natekar – who won over 100 national and international titles over the course of his career – succumbed to age-related ailments. He is survived by his son Gaurav and two daughters.
“He passed away peacefully at home and we were all with him. He was ailing for the last three months but breathed his last peacefully,” said Gaurav over a phone call.
In a message, the Natekar family said, “With the deepest sorrow, we would like to inform you that our beloved father Nandu Natekar passed away on July 28, 2021. Keeping in mind the Covid-19 guidelines, we will not be having a condolence meeting. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
After the news of Nandu Natekar’s passing broke, dignitaries, fans and followers sent condolence messages over social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet, “Shri Nandu Natekar has a special place in India’s sporting history. He was an outstanding badminton player and a great mentor. His success continues to motivate budding athletes. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti!”
Pune mayor Murlidhar Mohol in a tweet said, “A heartfelt tribute on behalf of all the people of Pune to the Arjuna Award winner, the hero of Indian sports, the great badminton hero, Nandu Natekar.”
Om Prakash Bakoria, sports commissioner, Maharashtra, said in his tweet, “Extremely saddened to know about the sad demise of six-time ‘Men’s Singles National Badminton Champion’ and the first Arjuna Awardee (1961), Nandu Natekar. His passing away is a loss to the world of sports. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers.”
Ranjeet Natu, honorary secretary, Pune District Metropolitan Badminton Association (PDMBA), said, “Nandu Natekar was known as ‘Nandu Kaka’ in Pune. Not only did he contribute to the game as a player but also as a coach, organiser and official. Till 1997, he used to come to the PDMBA court and train us. Along with being a great singles’ player, he would share excellent tips for performing in the doubles and mixed doubles matches.”
Natu recalled that when PDMBA hosted the senior nationals badminton in 1997, Nandu Natekar was the head of the organising committee and that he learned a lot of things from him. Back in 1986 when the Maharashtra Badminton Association was going through troubled times owing to a dispute among its management, Nandu Natekar went ahead and continued as president for four years to bring stability to the body. “In every role, he was perfect and was always open to new ideas, whether they came from a peon or a top official. He liked listening to people,” Natu remembered fondly.
Nikhil Kanetkar, who represented India in the 2004 Summer Olympics, said, “It is sad news for the sports fraternity across the country and my condolences to Nandu Natekar’s family. I was fortunate to be trained under him when I was just 12 years’ old at the PDMBA. Whenever he stepped on the court, it was a treat to watch him play.”
In 1954, Nandu Natekar made it to the quarterfinals of the prestigious All England Championships and in 1956, he became the first Indian player to win an international event when he claimed the Sellanger International in Malaysia. He won 12 out of 16 singles’ matches and 8 out of 16 doubles as part of the Indian team at the Thomas Cup held between 1951 and 1963. He led the country in tournaments in 1959, 1961 and 1963. He also represented India at the 1965 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica. Before appearing on the world badminton stage from 1950 to 1970, Nandu Natekar was also fond of playing tennis and cricket. In 1960, he was offered a Brylcreem advertisement for which he wasn’t paid any money but given free packets of Brylcreem every month.
