Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has marked a special milestone by launching The Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), an initiative founded and funded by her, and mentored by her father, Prakash Padukone — former World No. 1 badminton player and All England Champion. This launch coincides with the celebration of her father’s 70th birthday, to whom she also penned a touching birthday wish.
The Padukone School of Badminton aims to make badminton coaching accessible across India, covering 18 cities in its inaugural year. These cities include Bengaluru, NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Nashik, Mysuru, Panipat, Dehradun, Udaipur, Coimbatore, Sangli, and Surat. The school celebrates the legacy of 75 years of the Padukone family’s contribution to badminton, with Deepika expressing immense pride in the project.
Sharing a heartfelt message alongside a photo with her father, Deepika wrote, “As someone who grew up playing badminton, I’ve experienced firsthand how much this sport can shape one’s life – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through the Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), we hope to bring the joy and discipline of badminton to people from all walks of life, and build a generation that is healthier, more focused, and inspired by sport.”
She further added, “Pappa, those who know you well, know your passion for this sport. That even at 70, all you do is eat, sleep and breathe badminton. We are committed to making your passion a reality: Badminton for All! Happy 70th Birthday, Pappa!”
Prakash Padukone, who serves as the mentor and advisor for PSB, reflected on the importance of sports in life. He said, “Sport is an integral part of growing up – it instills discipline, resilience, and a winning mindset that extends well beyond the court. With PSB, our goal is to make quality coaching accessible and affordable, nurture talent from the grassroots, and set a strong foundation for the future of Indian badminton.”
The Padukone School of Badminton is set to nurture the next generation of athletes by combining world-class coaching with the passion and vision of the Padukone family, making it a promising new chapter in Indian sports development.