Nandu Natekar, Indian Badminton Legend, Passes Away At 88

Legendary badminton player of India, Nandu Natekar passed away on July 28, 2021, at the age of 88. He was the first Indian to win an International Title in 1956.

Nandu Natekar: Achievements of former World No. 3

• In a career spanning 15 years, Nandu Natekar won over 100 National and International titles for India.
• Nandu Natekar, in his famed career, had made it to the quarter-finals of the prestigious All England Championships in 1954.
• He won the men’s singles championship in the Selangor International Tournament in Kuala Lumpur in 1956. Natekar’s victory was also the first international victory by an Indian Badminton player.
• Nandu Natekar won the Men’s Double National Championship a total of 6 times, the Men’s Singles Championship a total of 6 times, and the Mixed Doubles National Championship a total of 5 times.
• Nandu Natekar recorded 12 wins out of 16 singles matches and 8 out of 16 in Doubles as part of the Indian Team at the Thomas Cup between 1951 and 1963.
• He also had the distinction of leading India in the tournament in 1959, 1961, and 1963.
• Natekar had also represented India at the 1956 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.

Recipient of first Arjuna Award:

• Nandu Natekar was the recipient of the first Arjuna Award which was instituted in 1961 for outstanding performance in sports and games.
• He was also voted the most popular sportsperson of India in 1961.