Indian badminton legend Nandu Natekar passes away at 88

Nandu Natekar had represented India at the 1965 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica

Legendary badminton player Nandu Natekar passed away here on Wednesday. The 88-year-old was the first Indian to win an international title in 1956.

“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,” BAI tweeted. In his famed career, the former World No. 3 made it to the quarter-finals of the prestigious All England Championships in 1954. He conquered Sellinger 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.

He is survived by his son Gaurav Natekar, a seven-time Indian national champion in tennis, and two daughters.