Bengaluru: Indian badminton great Prakash Padukone will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award this year from the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The BWF Council shortlisted the Indian legend’s name based on the award commission’s recommendation.
Badminton Association of India (BAI) had submitted his name for this award.
The former World No. 1 and the first-ever Indian World Championships medalist, Padukone has contributed immensely to the game. In 2018, he was also honored with the BAI’s Life Time Achievement Award.
For the Meritorious Service Award, BWF Council has nominated Devender Singh, President of Haryana Badminton Association, SA Shetty, Secretary General of Maharashtra Badminton Association, Dr. OD Sharma, Vice President of BAI and Chairperson of Tournament Committee and former BAI Vice President Manik Saha.
Alaknanda Ashok, who is the President of Uttarakhand Badminton Association, will receive the Women & Gender Equity Award. She has been associated with badminton administration for many years now.
“We are delighted to see BWF celebrating legendary Prakash Padukone’s contribution to the sport with this award. His contribution is massive in taking Indian badminton to where it is today. When it comes to developing the sport, a strong backbone of administrators, officials and corporate play key roles and it’s great to see they are also being recognized and praised for their support and contribution to the game.
Sunrise Sport (India) Pvt. Ltd. and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. will be awarded with the Certificate of Commendation for their continuous support to badminton. Sunrise Sport, the title sponsors of BAI for the last four years, has been a supporter and key stakeholder in the growth of Indian badminton for more than two decades now. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd has also been the leading name when it comes to supporting the sport in the country and has also played a vital role in badminton’s development across the country.
The certificates and plaques will be given during the India Open 2021 to all the awardees.
