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Badminton legend Nandu Natekar passes away at 88, condolences pour in
The Pune resident became the first Indian player to win an international event when he won the Sellanger International in Malaysia in 1956
Nandu Natekar, one of the legends of Indian badminton, passed away at his residence on Wednesday. The 88-year-old, who won over 100 national and international titles in his career, was suffering from age-related ailments.
In a message, the Natekar family said, “With deepest sorrow, we would like to inform you that our beloved father Nandu Natekar passed away on 28th July, 2021. Keeping in mind the Covid-19 guidelines, we will not be having a condolence meeting. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Natekar, a tennis and cricket player before he excelled in badminton, dominated the world stage from 1950 to 1970. The Pune resident became the first Indian player to win an international event when he won the Sellanger International in Malaysia in 1956. The former World No. 3 made it to the quarter-finals of the prestigious All England Championships in 1954. He won the Men’s Doubles National Championship a total of six times, the Men’s Singles National Championship a total of six times, and the Mixed Doubles National Championship a total of five times.He won 12 out of 16 singles matches and eight out of 16 doubles matches as part of the Indian team at the Thomas Cup between 1951 and 1963. He also had the distinction of leading the country in the tournament in 1959, 1961 and 1963. He represented India at the 1965 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.
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Natekar is survived by a son and two daughters.
“He passed away peacefully at home and we were all with him. He had been ailing for the last three months,” said his son Gaurav Natekar, a seven-time Indian national champion in tennis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise.
“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,” he tweeted.
Sports minister Anurag Thakur also condoled his death and said, “Sh. Nandu Natekar was an exceptional badminton player who leaves behind an outstanding sporting legacy. In 1961 he was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award. A generation of athletes have drawn inspiration from him. Sincere condolences to his family & friends.”
Pune mayor Murlidhar Mohol tweeted, “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, the Maharashtra commissioner of sports, tweeted, “Extremely saddened to know about the sad demise of 6 times Men’s Singles National Badminton Champion and First Arjun Awardees in 1961 Shri NanduNatekarji. His passing away is a loss to Sports World. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers.”
Nikhil Kanetkar, who represented India in the Summer Olympics 2004, said it was sad news for the sports fraternity across the country. “... my condolences to his family. I was fortunate to get training under him when I was 12 years old at Poona District Metropolitan Badminton Association. When he used to step on court it was a treat to watch his stroke play,” said
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute to Natekar. He wrote, “One of the towering icons of Indian badminton, Nandu Natekar leaves behind a rich legacy, that we shall cherish forever. 6-time national champion & first Indian to win an international title in 1956, Natekar shall be remembered fondly for his drives, drops & smashes. Condolences.”
With inputs from agencies
