NANDU NATEKAR
PUNE: One of Indian badminton’s earliest superstars Nandu Natekar, whose on-court grace was often compared to a ballet dancer, died on Wednesday after suffering from age-related ailments here. The 88-year-old, who won over 100 national and international titles in his career, is survived by son, former Davis Cupper Gaurav, and two daughters.
“He passed away peacefully at home and we were all with him. He has been ailing for the last three months,” Gaurav said. Natekar, who was considered one of most popular sportspersons of his time, had the distinction of playing multiple
Nandu Natekar (88) died in Pune on Wednesday.
sports, including tennis and badminton.
Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Natekar played tennis initially and even reached the final of the junior nationals against the legendary Ramanathan
Krishnan. But a loss in the 1951-52 final to Krishnan saw him switch to badminton.
Natekar, who was a sixtime national badminton champion, made his India debut at 20. He went on to lead the country in the Thomas Cup team championship from 1951-1963.
Recipient of the Arjuna Award in its year of inception in 1961, Natekar was known for his artistry with the racquet, mesmerising his opponents with deception and perfect stroke production.
He was the first Indian to win an international event— the Selangor International crown in Kuala Lumpur in 1956. He and Meena Shah won the mixed doubles crown in Kings Cup International in Bangkok in 1962. A year later, he won the singles title at the event. He reached the quarterfinals in his only All England entry in 1954 when the event was considered an unofficial world championship..