Former Indian badminton player Prakash Padukone changed the face of Indian badminton in international competitions after he won the All England Open Badminton Championships in 1980. He became the first Indian to win the men’s singles title with a victory over Indonesian rival Liem Swie King.
He was also ranked World No. 1 the same year. And today marks the 40th anniversary of that historical day, reported HT.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Gl6kCBSAe/
To honour his unprecedented victory, his daughter and popular Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone and hubby Ranveer Singh took to social media to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ace badminton champion.
In her post, Deepika wrote how her father’s contribution to badminton and Indian sports is immeasurable!
Pappa,
Your contribution to Badminton and Indian Sport is immeasurable!
Thank You for your inspiring display of dedication,discipline,determination and years of hard work!
They don’t make you like you anymore…
We love you and are proud of you!
Thank You for being you!❤️ https://t.co/GjMV7lpd59
— Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) March 23, 2020
Sharing throwback pictures of his father-in-law, Ranveer in his IG post penned how he is proud of the legend.
#legend #icon #proud pic.twitter.com/QbGFtu7ELh
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) March 23, 2020
The All England Open Badminton Championships is the world’s oldest badminton tournament, held annually in England.
Post his retirement from competitive sports in 1991, Prakash Padukone reportedly served as the chairman of the Badminton Association of India for a short while. He currently mentors budding young players and runs the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy. The country is proud of you, sir!