Prakash Padukone set to receive Lifetime Achievement Award from BAI today

What's the story?

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) had announced an annual Lifetime Achievement Award for all stalwarts of the game, earlier in 2017. In order to honour all those who contributed to the cause of the game in India, the BAI will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to former veteran badminton player Prakash Padukone.

Prakash Padukone is the first recipient of this honour. The event will take place later today, in New Delhi, at 7 pm.

In case you didn't know...

Prakash Padukone is India's first World No.1 male badminton player, having achieved this feat in 1980. He is also the first Indian to have won the All England Open Badminton Championship the same year. Bestowed with the Arjuna Award in 1972 and the Padma Shri in 1982 by the Indian government, Padukone is also one of the co-founders of the Olympic Gold Quest.

The heart of the matter

This announcement was made by the BAI President, Mr Himanta Biswa Sarma. Mr Padukone will also receive a cash reward of Rs 10 Lakhs and a citation along with his award.

Mr Sarma had previously stated, "This is for the first time that BAI has come up with such Award as it is time we recognise the immense contribution of these stalwarts towards the growth of badminton in the country. And no other name would have been apt but Prakash Padukone, to confer the first award".

In order to add to the highlight of the event, the President also confirmed the presence of veteran sportspersons such as PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth and Saina Nehwal.

What's next?

Padukone will be conferred with the award later today at an event in New Delhi.

Author's take

Owing to the accolades that are associated with Prakash Padukone's name, the BAI definitely made a wise decision to honour him with the award. Along with this, the various schemes announced for younger talent will surely boost the future of badminton in the country.