Badminton, the second most popular sport in India after cricket, has captivated the minds of millions of Indians across the country. India has had a proud legacy in badminton with numerous world champions and Olympic medallists, with some of the most iconic names in badminton hailing from India. But who was the first Indian badminton player who opened the gates for the modern badminton players in the country?
The Beginnings of Badminton in India
Badminton has been popular in India since the early 1900s, when the game was first introduced to the country by British army officers. It quickly gained popularity, and by the 1920s, tournaments were being held in several cities including Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. In 1934, the Indian Badminton Federation (IBF) was formed, and the first ever All India Badminton Championship was held in Calcutta in 1936.
The First Indian Badminton Player
The first Indian badminton player was Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, a wrestler from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. He was born in 1926 and started playing badminton at the age of 16. He was inspired by his brother, who was a wrestler and badminton player. Jadhav had no formal training in the sport, but he quickly rose to prominence and was selected to represent India at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
Jadhav’s Historic Achievement
Jadhav created history by becoming the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal. He won Bronze in the men’s singles event, defeating players from Denmark, France, and Japan. He also reached the quarterfinals in the men’s doubles event with his partner, Prakash Padukone. Jadhav was felicitated with a number of awards, including the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri, for his achievements in badminton.
His Legacy
Jadhav’s legacy lives on in the form of his son, Pradeep Jadhav, who is also a renowned badminton player. He has won numerous national and international titles, and is currently the national coach for the Indian badminton team. Jadhav’s contribution to Indian badminton has been immense, and he is considered to be one of the greatest badminton players in the country.
Conclusion
Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav was the first Indian badminton player to make a mark on the international stage. He was an inspiration to many, and his legacy lives on in the form of his son, Pradeep Jadhav, who is currently the national coach of the Indian badminton team. Jadhav’s contribution to Indian badminton is immense, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest badminton players in the country.