Badminton in India
from 1970s till the early 1990s is Prakash Padukone’s
Badminton. His rise and
fall were country’s
bright and dark days. After him no one stepped forward to
take on the mantle. Biographer Dev S. Sukumar has researched well on the life
of this Indian
badminton maestro from Malleswaram of Bangalore. He traces the
origin of the surname Padukone and also records the astrological prediction
that Prakash, as his name indicated, would ‘shine’ throughout his life. The
book is a story of an unassuming player who dared to aim high, struggle and
work hard to reach his goal of becoming a top class sportsman. Prakash remained
good in his studies even when he toiled on the badminton court. He was
fortunate to get a secure job in a reputed bank. But he continued to pursue his
dream. He was so confident about himself that he convinced his
parents, who
belonged to a traditional middle class family that it would be good for him to
chuck his secure bank job and devote fully to playing badminton. The parents
gave their consent that paved way for Padukone’s dream like rise. Prakash
Padukone’s life, the tournaments he played, those he won and also those he
lost, and the players whom he met and who left a mark on him. Among those who
influenced him and his game were Rudy Hartono, Morton Frost, Liem Swie King,
Han Jian, Svend Pri, Sugiarlo and Pongoh. To read them is a bit of knowing
them, too. Biographer Dev S. Sukumar brings out the tensions and emotions of
Padukone right from his first victory in India’s senior national
championship in 1972 to the All England victory in 1980 and the World Cup
achievement in 1981.The book also uncovers the politics and rivalries Prakash
Padukone bravely faced.