Natu, 1st Indian certificated BWF referee

Pune’s connection with badminton dates back to 1870 when the game came into existence a handful of British soldiers started playing a game at Ammunition Factory, Khadki, and was called the Poona Game, later game acquired the name of badminton after it was exported to England.

On Saturday another chapter opened in Pune’s history as Girish Natu who also hails from Pune became the first Indian to become a BWF – Badminton world Federation Certificated Referee. “I am happy I could make it there for which I have been thriving for many years, and that was my dream,” said Natu who is also a BWF Certificated Referee, while talking to Free Press Journal from Pune.

From the chair to the table has been the story of Natu who is a professional chartered Accountant. He has been work to reach where he is today for over three decades and finally it has come through. Yes, from the chair umpire to table referee is my story, said Natu who is also the vice president of Pune District Metropolitan Badminton Association.

In a congratulatory letter from the Badminton World Federation, it is stated that the BWF has upgraded Natu to the position of a BWF Certificated Referee, after he was assessed at the BWF World Junior Championships 2018, Toronto, Canada recently.

This position is the topmost position in the hierarchy of technical world of badminton. He becomes the first and so, the only Indian so far, to become a BWF Certificated Referee stated the letter.

Natu has been a role model and a mentor to all the upcoming candidates in the technical officials’ cadre, across India.