Legendary badminton player Nandu Natekar is no more, this record is in his name

Veteran badminton player Nandu Natekar passed away in Pune on Wednesday. He was the first Indian badminton player to win an international title in 1956. Natekar was 88 years old. Natekar, who won more than 100 national and international titles in his career, was suffering from age-related ailments. He is survived by son Gaurav and two daughters.

Gaurav told PTI, ‘He died at home and we were all with him. He was ill for the last three months. Considered one of the most popular players of his time, Natekar was a former world number three player.

Born in Sangli in western Maharashtra, Natekar was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1961. The Natekar family said in a statement, ‘It is with great sadness that we inform you that our father Nandu Natekar passed away on 28 July 2021.’

According to the statement, ‘Keeping in mind the covid-19 guidelines, we will not organize a condolence meeting. Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers.’

During his career spanning more than 15 years, Natekar made it to the quarter-finals of the prestigious All England Championship in 1954 and became the first Indian player to win an international title by winning the Selangor International tournament in 1956.

He represented the Indian team in the Thomas Cup from 1951 to 1963, winning 12 of his 16 singles and 8 of 16 doubles matches. He represented India at the 1965 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.