Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the dmise of legendary badminton player Nandu Natekar, tweeting that he has a special place in India’s sporting history. Natekar died at the age of 88 in Pune. He was the first Indian to win an international title in 1956.
"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," PM Modi said on Twitter.
Natekar is survived by his son Gaurav, a seven-time Indian national champion in tennis, and two daughters. He won over 100 national and international titles in his career, and was suffering from age-related ailments.
{{/usCountry}}Natekar is survived by his son Gaurav, a seven-time Indian national champion in tennis, and two daughters. He won over 100 national and international titles in his career, and was suffering from age-related ailments.
{{/usCountry}}"On behalf of the Badminton Association of India, we condole the sad demise of legendary player- Shri Nandu Natekar. A man of many firsts, the Father of Indian Badminton, your journey will continue to inspire generations to come. Wishing prayers and strength to the family. #RIP," the Badminton Association of India (BAI) tweeted.
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed condolences on Natekar's demise. "Saddened to hear about the passing away of former Indian badminton player Nandu Natekar, who was the first shuttler to receive Arjuna Award. My condolences to the bereaved family members, fans and followers. Om Shanti," he said on Twitter.
In his famed career, Natekar made it to the quarter-finals of the prestigious All England Championships in 1954. He conquered the Sellanger International in Malaysia in 1956. 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 had also represented India at the 1965 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.