Prakash Padukone won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to badminton at the Sportstar Aces Awards supported by Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy, in association with MRF at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai on Thursday.
His wife, daughter Deepika and son-in-law Ranveer Singh were present when he received the award from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar.
"I am extremely delighted that I have been able to play a small part in the evolution of badminton in India. Now, the Chinese and Indonesians check whether they are playing an Indian in the draw. I am happy Indian badminton is doing well," Padukone said.
An Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee, Padukone won a bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games, gold at the 1979 Commonwealth Games and became the first Indian to win the All England Championships in 1980.
Read: Achievers take centre stage
As co-founder, with Geet Sethi, of the Olympic Gold Quest, Padukone supports more than 150 Indian athletes.
Former India cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar, The Hindu Publishing Group chairman N. Ram, former India hockey captain M.M. Somaya, Olympian shooter Anjali Bhagwat and Olympian long-jumper Anju Bobby George selected the deserving winners in categories involving young athletes, teams, coaches and parathletes.
The Aces Awards are an effort to highlight the untold stories of struggle, fierce dedication and selfless work behind an athlete’s ascension, irrespective of the popularity of the sport.
The awards look to create a medium of knowledge and vision exchange as it brings all stakeholders of Indian sports under one roof.
Comments
SHARE