Country’s veteran player Natekar died, a wave of mourning in the sports world
Country’s legendary badminton player Nandu Natekar passed away this morning. Nandu was the first Indian badminton player to win an international title. He achieved this feat in 1956. He was 88 years old and was currently living in Pune. He received the Arjuna Award in 1961 and was the first badminton player from India to receive this award. Nandu won the national championship title six times. 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. Son Gaurav told that father 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. He reached the charter final of the All England All England Badminton Championship. He was born in Sangli in May 1933. He became a badminton player of his choice. Earlier he had tried his hand at cricket and then played tennis. He played till junior level. He also played against the famous Ramanathan Krishnan.
Nandu played his first match for India in 1953 at the age of 20. He achieved many achievements in his career. In 1954, he reached the charter final of the All England Championship. After that he never played in this tournament. This was the first and last time he played in this tournament, but he played in this tournament in the Veterans category and won the doubles category in 1980, 1981 and finished second in 1982.
The Natekar family said that it is with great sadness that we inform you that our father Nandu Natekar passed away on July 28. Keeping in view the COVID-19 guidelines, we will not organize condolence meetings. Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers.
His success in the singles event can be gauged from the fact that he was a part of the Indian team in the Thomas Cup from 1951 to 1963 and was successful in winning 12 out of 16 matches. In the doubles category, he won eight out of 16 matches. He was also the captain of the team in 1959, 1961 and 1963. He also won National Championships in Men’s Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles. He won the Selangor International tournament held in Kuala Lumpur in 1956.
He retired while serving as a Public Relations Officer in Hindustan Patrol. His son Gaurav also achieved success but not in badminton but in tennis. He played for India in the Davis Cup and was successful in winning the Arjuna Award in 1996.
