The 88-year old legendary badminton player Nandu Natekar passed away on Wednesday. He has won over 100 national and international titles in his career.
He was suffering from age-related ailments. Nandu Natekar survived by his son Gaurav and two daughters. Gaurav told to PTI, “He passed away peacefully at home and we were all with him and he has been ailing for the last three months and he passed away peacefully.”
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Natekar considered one of the most popular sportspersons of his time. Also, he was a former World number three.
He was born in Sangli in western Maharashtra. He won more than 100 national and international titles in over 15 years of his career. He was also conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1961.
The Natekar family said in a message “With the deepest sorrow, we would like to inform you that our beloved father Nandu Natekar passed away on 28th July 2021. Keeping in mind the COVID-19 guidelines, we will not be having a condolence meeting. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.“
In his career, Nandu Natekar qualified for the quarterfinals of the prestigious All England Championships in 1954. He also became the first Indian player to win an international event when he claimed Sellanger International in Malaysia in 1956.
Not only this, but he has also won 12 out of the 16 singles matches and 8 out of 16 in doubles as part of the Indian team at the Thomas Cup between 1951 and 1963. He represented India at the 1965 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.
