Nandu Natekar, the first Indian badminton player to win an international title and the first one from the sport to win an Arjuna award died in Pune on Wednesday.
Having won six national titles, Natekar had reached the quarter-final of the All England Open.
His success in the individual events was reciprocated when he was part of the Indian team at the Thomas Cup, winning 12 out of the 16 Singles matches and 8 out of 16 in Doubles between 1951 and 1963. He also led India in the competition on three occasions- in 1959, 1961 and 1963.
He was also a sound tennis player and had lost the national junior championship final to Ramanathan Krishan.
Tributes poured in for India’s sporting great and here are some of the top reactions.
On behalf of the Badminton Association of India, we condole the sad demise of legendary player- Shri Nandu Natekar.
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) July 28, 2021
A man of many firsts, the Father of Indian Badminton, your journey will continue to inspire generations to come.
Wishing prayers and strength to the family.#RIP pic.twitter.com/qp1uqDf8Jp
Shri Nandu Natekar has a special place in India’s sporting history. He was an outstanding badminton player and a great mentor. His success continues to motivate budding athletes. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2021
Saddened by the demise of iconic badminton player, Shri Nandu Natekar. He made an invaluable contribution to Indian Badminton & won over 100 national & international titles. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/iURrwlUDfR
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) July 28, 2021
RIP Nandu Natekar, a legendary badminton star. Like the cricketer Victor Trumper, Nandu could stroll in before a game, borrow a racket and still beat his opponent handily. He was also a talented tennis player, losing in the jr national finals to Ramanathan Krishan pic.twitter.com/LpKCFAcCoy
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) July 28, 2021
One of the towering icons of Indian badminton, Nandu Natekar leaves behind a rich legacy, that we shall cherish forever. 6-time national champion & first Indian to win an international title in 1956, Natekar shall be remembered fondly for his drives, drops & smashes. Condolences. pic.twitter.com/jfDl4eShoQ
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 28, 2021
Nandu Natekar, the original hero of Indian badminton, the first Indian to win an international title in 1956, six time national champion, who inspired more than one generation of players, passed away this morning. He lit the torch that others could blaze forward. Om shanti..
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 28, 2021
Saddened to hear about the passing away of badminton champion, Shri Nandu Natekar ji. His achievements & legacy shall forever serve as an inspiration to sportsmen across the country.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 28, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to his family & fans.
Sh. Nandu Natekar was an exceptional badminton player who leaves behind an outstanding sporting legacy. In 1961 he was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award. A generation of athletes have drawn inspiration from him. Sincere condolences to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/1WXnPqYIG1
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 28, 2021
Sad to inform that Nandu Natekar, one of the greatest Magical Badminton Player India have produced is no more.
— Sekhar Biswas (@SekharB76486652) July 28, 2021
Our respected Shradhanjali to the departed soul🙏🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/oYPJNuUb9E
Nandu Natekar, badminton all time great, among the most modest champions I've known. RIP
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 28, 2021
Saddened to hear about the passing away of former Indian badminton player Nandu Natekar, who was the first shuttler to receive Arjuna Award. My condolences to the bereaved family members, fans and followers. Om Shanti
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 28, 2021
Sad news coming from Pune. One of Indian badminton's superstar Nandu Natekar passed away this morning at the age of 88. @BAI_Media
— Abhijeet Kulkarni (@abk6580) July 28, 2021
Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Nandu Natekar ji, a badminton champion for the nation and an inspiration to sportsmen across generations
— FIRHAD HAKIM (@FirhadHakim) July 28, 2021
My condolences to his family and countless fans. May his soul #RestInPeace https://t.co/e4oe55MsGs
Saddened by the demise of legendary badminton player #NanduNatekar Ji. He was the first Indian to win an international title in 1956 and have won over 100 national and international titles in his career. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and well wishers. pic.twitter.com/Qw6RIpCqiY
— Aslam Shaikh, INC (@AslamShaikh_MLA) July 28, 2021
Indian badminton legend #NanduNatekar passes away in Pune. He was 88.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 28, 2021
He was the first sportsman to receive the Arjuna award. pic.twitter.com/HqWSQXyMB0
“We all die. The goal isn’t live forever, but create something that will.”
— Sukant Kadam (@sukant9993) July 28, 2021
Rest in peace Legend Nandu Natekar 🙏🙏🙏#RIP #NanduNatekar pic.twitter.com/96V2ZqdhW6
You will always be in our thoughts legend.
— PBL India (@PBLIndiaLive) July 28, 2021
Rest in peace Nandu Natekar Sir.
🙏🙏🙏#Badminton #NanduNatekar pic.twitter.com/7gpFSaghcy
"In the passing of #NanduNatekar, our Country has lost one of its sporting pioneers. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones in this hour of grief. May the heavenly departed soul rest in peace.🙏🏻
— Dr. Amar Patnaik (@Amar4Odisha) July 28, 2021
#RIPNanduNatekar
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) July 28, 2021
India's first badminton superstar, Nandu Natekar, passed away this morning. https://t.co/qJA4FUaQjd
Badminton legend Nandu Natekar passes away. Was a runner-up in the national junior tennis championship 1951-52; lost to Ramanathan Krishnan. In 1956, he was the first Indian to win a badminton singles title abroad (in Kuala Lampur).Was the recipient of first Arjuna Award in 1961
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) July 28, 2021
The day when two legends came together on the stage for the Annual SJAM awards... https://t.co/AT4AY6FlVK
— Prasanna Sant (@SantPrasanna) July 28, 2021
Rest In Peace Nandu Natekar Sir...
Heartfelt tributes to India's first badminton superstar, first Indian to win an international title, the first sportsperson to receive the Arjuna Award.. Shri. Nandu Natekar ji. #GemOfPune
— Siddharth Shirole (@SidShirole) July 28, 2021
My condolences with family, friends, students and fans of Nandu Sir. pic.twitter.com/g3QbHr2MV8
Saddened to know about the passing away of the Indian badminton legend Shri Nandu Natekar. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones in this time of grief. May the departed soul rest in peace. Om Shanti 🙏🏻#NanduNatekar pic.twitter.com/tnxrxMUFPT
— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) July 28, 2021
Sad to learn the passing away of India's ace Badminton Star Nandu Natekar.He was the first Indian after Prakash Nath to reach the quarter finals of All England Badminton in 1954.His son Gaurav Natekar was a tennis exponent having played for India in Davis Cup.May his Soul RIP. pic.twitter.com/ZGw1D7PlX5
— Gautam Roy (@gautamfootball) July 28, 2021
