Indian land has witnessed the rise & boon of several sports on the Map of World. And one such sport that has witnessed phenomenal growth in India’s Spectrum is Badminton. Over the years India has produced some great legends who have created a mark in the arena of badminton. Indian badminton Legends have made the country proud by stepping into the international podium of badminton. Whether it’s the Commonwealth Games, Olympics, or any other International sporting event, these Indian badminton Legends have made a point to take the country to new heights of success by winning crucial medals.
Indian badminton players have managed to win three Olympic medals and the first historic World Championship Crown. These accomplishments have enabled India to become one of the Top badminton Countries in the world. Since the first badminton game was played in 1934, India has witnessed many badminton players excelling in the game. These Indian Badminton Players are taking the World by storm by creating new records, clinching medals & adding fame to their kitty. So let’s have a look at Indian badminton Legends who have made India one of the leading countries in Badminton sport over the years.
Indian Badminton Legends who guided India towards Laurels of Success
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Nandu Natekar
Known as the ‘God of Indian Badminton’ Nandu Natekar is one of the Indian Badminton legends who has created a mark in India’s badminton history. His extraordinary control over the game, explicit stroke-making style & exclusive display of artistry set Nandu Natekar apart.
With more than 100 National and international titles under his kitty, Natekar was the first Indian to win an International title in 1956. His world-class game style & eye for excellence have often compelled people to travel from far-fetched areas to see his game.
Further, he added one more accolade to his kitty in 1961 when he became India’s most-voted sportsperson. One of the top badminton Players of India during his era, Natekar has made a place for himself in the top 8 in the All-Indian Championship. The legend is also the recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1961. His passion for badminton & skill of outclassing opponents sets him apart.
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Parupalli Kashyap
When Indian badminton legends are talked about, Parupalli Kashyap’s name is a sureshot on the list. One of the top-ranked Indian badminton, Kashyap is also the No. 1 ranked Indian badminton player in male singles. Parupalli made the country proud by reaching the Quarterfinal of the London Olympics 2012. Not only this he also holds a prestigious Commonwealth Games Gold medal which adds more power to his medal tally. What makes these achievements more special is Kashyap’s never-give-up attitude. Less did people know that Parupalli has fought asthma & has emerged victorious in his battle. He is also the recipient of the Arjuna Award.
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Ashwini Ponnappa
One of the most talented players who is one of the best Indian badminton legends is Ashwini Ponnappa. She is a South Indian player & is also the champion in India’s doubles badminton circuit. Ashwini Ponnappa along with her pair Jwala Gutta has won many medals at International events. The pair has created history by winning a Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games 2023. Not only this but this exemplary pair has helped her to clinch numerous bronze medals at the Uber Cup & the Asian Badminton Championships.
The duo also created history when they became the first Indian badminton players pair to win a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in 2011. The unsung hero of India’s Badminton fraternity, Ashwini has made a place for herself in the arena of badminton.
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Jwala Gutta
‘Jwala Gutta’ is a name that needs no introduction. One of the best & the oldest players in the doubles category, Jwala is one of the Indian badminton Legends who has won many International medals for the country.
A star known for her exemplary skills, Jwala Gutta’s achievements include a gold medal in the doubles category won at the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010, a silver medal in mixed doubles at the Delhi Games 2010, a bronze medal in the London BWF World Championship 2011, and a silver medal in 2014 Commonwealth Games.
She has been a top-class athlete right from her teenage years when she lifted the junior National championship at the age of 17 & then there was no looking back for her after that. Jwala teamed up with Shruti Kurien to win the Doubles National Title for seven years in a row, from 2002 to 2008.
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Aparna Popat
When we are talking about Indian Badminton legends how can we forget Aparna Popat? The prolific badminton player known for her perfect stroke-making holds the record for winning the National Senior Women’s Badminton title for the highest number of times consecutively. Not only this but she has also excelled in several International Badminton Championships creating a mark in World Cricket.
She made India shine on the International platform by winning a silver medal at the World Junior Badminton Championship. She secured a Silver medal again at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games (1998).
In the same year, she created a new record by becoming the first Indian female player to win the French Open title. She won a Bronze at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games and reached the Semi-Final round of the Swedish Open Badminton Tournament. Aparna was also rewarded with the prestigious Arjuna Award for her outstanding contribution to the Indian Badminton fraternity. The player known for her form Aparna is truly one of the best players that Indian badminton Fraternity actually has.
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Srikanth Kidambi
The famous Indian badminton player from Andhra Pradesh, Kidambi is one of the Indian badminton legends who rose from the soil of India. Kidambi is the highest prize money winner in 2017 surpassing Lee Chong Wei and Tai Tzu Ying. Not once, but several times Kidambi has made the country proud by winning plenty of medals for the country including Gold Coast Gold (mixed event), and Silver in the same competition single event among the plethora of BWF titles. He is also coached by legendary coach, Pullela Gopichand.
In the CWG 2022, Kidambi Srikanth ended on the podium with a bronze medal in his kitty after defeating Singapore’s Jia Heng Teh in a straight set. An Arjuna Award recipient, Kidambi was also Wold’s No 1 in BFI Rankings in April 2023 along with recipient of Arjuna Award.
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Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal stands as a testament to unwavering determination and relentless hard work. Her journey in Indian badminton began in 2004 when she clinched the junior badminton championship, a title she successfully defended in 2005. This marked the start of a remarkable career that would see her become India’s first-ever shuttler to win an Olympic medal.
Saina’s ascent to the top of the world rankings made her the only Indian woman to achieve this remarkable milestone. With over 24 international titles to her name, including 10 Superseries titles, Saina has consistently showcased her prowess on the global stage. Her contributions to the popularity of badminton in India cannot be overstated.
Apart from her numerous titles, Saina Nehwal has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. She remains an enduring inspiration for aspiring badminton players in the country & is truly one of the best Indian Badminton legends.
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PV Sindhu:
PV Sindhu, often hailed as the silver lining in Indian badminton achieved a historic feat in 2016 by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal. Her remarkable journey continued with silver medals at the BWF World Championships in 2017 and 2018.
However, it was in Basel, Switzerland, on August 25, 2019, that Sindhu etched her name in history by clinching the badminton World Championships, becoming the first Indian shuttler to do so. This victory exemplified her unwavering dedication and exceptional skills on the court.
Sindhu’s triumphs extended to the Commonwealth Games, where she secured a silver medal in women’s singles in 2018 and a gold medal in 2022. She continued to shine, winning the women’s singles title at the Singapore Open 2022 BWF Super 500 tournament.
Her accolades include the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Arjuna Award, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated and celebrated Indian badminton legends.
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Lakshya Sen
Lakshya Sen is the new face of Indian badminton, heralding a promising future for the sport. Hailing from the city of Almora in Uttarakhand, Sen quickly rose to prominence in the junior badminton circuit. His undeniable talent and potential have marked him as India’s potential future World No. 1.
Sen’s crowning moment came at the Commonwealth Games 2022 when he secured the gold medal in men’s singles by defeating Malaysia’s Tze Young NG. This victory showcased his ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.
As the torchbearer of the next generation of Indian badminton players, Lakshya Sen has the potential to carry on the legacy of his predecessors.
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Pullela Gopichand
Pullela Gopichand, a name synonymous with Indian badminton excellence, is the common thread connecting the success stories of PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. A former badminton player himself, Gopichand’s coaching prowess has produced world-class athletes.
Gopichand’s personal achievements include winning an individual bronze and a silver in the team event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, as well as securing victory at the 2001 All England Open Badminton Championship.
Despite grappling with injuries that led to his early retirement from Indian badminton, Gopichand’s legacy lives on through his international badminton academy in Hyderabad. Here, he coaches and mentors the next generation of Indian badminton stars, ensuring that the sport continues to flourish in the country.
His remarkable contributions to badminton have earned him accolades such as the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Dronacharya Award. He is truly one of the best Indian Badminton Legends who has waved the Indian flag at the International Stage.
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Prakash Padukone
Prakash Padukone, the trailblazer of Indian badminton, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious All England Championships title. His journey was marked by grit, determination, and a relentless passion for the sport.
Padukone’s list of accomplishments includes winning the gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games, as well as triumphs at the Danish Open and the Swedish Open. His achievements have left an indelible mark on Indian badminton history.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Padukone received the Arjuna Award in 1972 and the Padma Shri in 1982 from the Government of India. Additionally, he was honored with the Badminton Association of India’s first Lifetime Achievement Award.
In his own words, “Don’t say what badminton can give you, instead ask what you can do for badminton.” Prakash Padukone’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate young talents in Indian badminton.
Our Final Take on Indian Badminton Legends
The annals of Indian badminton are adorned with the remarkable achievements of these Indian badminton Legends. Their dedication, resilience, and passion have not only earned them accolades but have also paved the way for future generations of badminton enthusiasts. Their constant hard work & determination have raised the bar of badminton sport in India
These Indian Badminton legends will forever hold a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts, not just in India but around the world, as they continue to be the pride of the nation and the icons of the shuttlecock. Their stories serve as inspiration to thousands of young budding players who want to create an impression in the Badminton arena.
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