Badminton legend Nandu Natekar passes away at 88
Hindustan TimesPUNE: One of the pioneers of Indian badminton and the first Indian player to win an international title, Nandu Natekar, 88, passed away at his residence here on Wednesday. Om Shanti!” Pune mayor Murlidhar Mohol in a tweet said, “A heartfelt tribute on behalf of all the people of Pune to the Arjuna Award winner, the hero of Indian sports, the great badminton hero, Nandu Natekar.” Om Prakash Bakoria, sports commissioner, Maharashtra, said in his tweet, “Extremely saddened to know about the sad demise of six-time ‘Men’s Singles National Badminton Champion’ and the first Arjuna Awardee, Nandu Natekar. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers.” Ranjeet Natu, honorary secretary, Pune District Metropolitan Badminton Association, said, “Nandu Natekar was known as ‘Nandu Kaka’ in Pune. Nikhil Kanetkar, who represented India in the 2004 Summer Olympics, said, “It is sad news for the sports fraternity across the country and my condolences to Nandu Natekar’s family.