The 10 Best Indian Badminton Players of All Time

Have you ever wondered who the best Indian badminton players of all time are? It is a very exciting question that many people have, and the answer is more challenging than you think.

Badminton is a sport that has seen tremendous growth and popularity in India over the years, and the country is now home to some of the finest badminton players in the world.

From Prakash Padukone to Saina Nehwal, these are some of the most successful and iconic badminton players India has ever seen.

However, who are the greatest badminton players in Indian history? Who has made a thrilling impact on the sport and left a lasting legacy?

Let’s grab the exciting world of India’s badminton stars!

10 Best Indian Badminton Players of All Time

So, who are the best Indian badminton players of all time?

We have compiled a list of the 10 best Indian badminton players. Each has tremendously impacted badminton, from career achievements to inspiring stories.

Get ready to learn about some of India’s most talented and inspiring badminton players! So, let’s begin!

1. Prakash Padukone (1955 to Present)

Full Name	Prakash Padukone
Nick Name	Gentle Tiger
Date of Birth	10 June 1955
Current Age	67 Years (As of 2022)
Gender	Male
Place of Birth	Bengaluru, India
Zodiac Sign	Gemini
Residence	Karnataka, India
Education	School: National High School
Profession	Badminton Player
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Married
Wifi / Girlfriend	Ujjala Padukone
Children	Number: Son: None Daughter: 2 (Deepika Padukone, Anisha Padukone)
Height	In cm: 185 Centimeters In m: 1.85 Meters, In ft Inches: 6 ft 1 Inch
Weight	In kg: 75 kg, In Pounds: 165 lbs
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Ethnicity	N/A
Net Worth	$14 Million

Have you ever heard of Prakash Padukone? He’s one of the best badminton players India has ever seen.

He won numerous titles throughout his career and set a new benchmark for the sport in India.

His incredible skill and passion for the sport have made him an inspiration to aspiring badminton players around the world.

Most importantly, Prakash Padukone has won the All England Open Badminton Championships and is the first Indian to win this.

He also receives India’s highest sporting honor, the Padma Shri award.

Prakash Padukone is an inspiration to badminton players around the world, and his legacy lives on

Prakash Padukone’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Started badminton career: Prakash’s father, Ramesh Padukone, first introduced Prakash to the sport of badminton when Prakash was a young child
• First official tournament: Karnataka State Junior Championship at the age of 7 in 1962
• Handedness: Right

Prakash Padukone’s Some of the Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 1 Men’s Singles In the World Championship
• 2 Men’s Team In the World Cup
• 2 Men’s Singles In the World Cup
• 1 Men’s Singles and Men’s Team in Asian Championship
• 1 Men’s Singles In the Commonwealth Games in 1978
• 1 Men’s Singles In World Games
• 1st Ranking In Commonwealth Games, World Cup and World Grand Prix

Prakash Padukone’s Glorious Awards at a Glance:

1. Arjuna in 1972
2. Padma Shri in 1982
3. GQ Men of the Year In 2014
4. BAI Lifetime Achievement in 2018

2. Pullela Gopichand (1973 to Present)

Full Name	Pullela Gopichand
Nick Name	Gops and Gopi
Date of Birth	16 November 1973
Current Age	49 Years (As of 2022)
Gender	Male
Place of Birth	Nagandla, India
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio
Residence	Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh
Education	School: Paul’s High School, Hyderabad College: He joined A. V. College, Hyderabad Graduated: in Public Administration
Profession	Former Indian Badminton Player and Coach
Religion	Hindu
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Married
Wifi / Girlfriend	P.V.V Lakshmi
Children	Number: 2 Son: 1 ( Sia Vishnu Pullela ) Daughter: 1 (Gayatri Gopichand)
Height	In cm: 183 Centimeters, In m: 1.83 Meters, In ft Inches: 6 ft 0 Inch
Weight	In kg: 64 kg, In Pounds: 141 lbs
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Net Worth	$1-5 Million

Pullela Gopichand is a great badminton player and India’s most successful badminton coach.

He has won numerous medals, including the All England Open Badminton Championships in 2001, and is one of the most embellished players in the history of the sport.

Additionally, his success has inspired a new generation of badminton players in India, and he is now widely considered the nation’s most famous player.

He is a true inspiration to all badminton players, and his work and dedication to the sport are truly admirable.

Pullela Gopichand’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Started Badminton Career: After 11 Years
• Joined the Junior Badminton Team and won Junior National Championship in 1991 at 18
• Handedness: Right

Pullela Gopichand’s Some of the Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 1 Men’s Singles in the Asian Championship
• 1 Men’s Team and 1 Men’s Singles in the Commonwealth Games
• Winner of All England Open
• Winner of Le Volant d’Or de Toulouse, Scottish Open, India International
• Winner of India Asian Satellite Tournament

Pullela Gopichand’s Awards at a Glance:

1. Arjuna Award in 1999
2. Padma Shri in 2005
3. Padma Bhushan in 2014 and More

3. Saina Nehwal (1990 to Present)

Full Name	Saina Nehwal
Nick Name	Steffi Saina
Date of Birth	17 March 1990
Current Age	32 Years (As of 2022)
Gender	Female
Place of Birth	Hisar, India
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Residence	Haryana, India
Education	School: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, Hyderabad NIRD School Rajendranager, Hyderabad College: St. Ann’s College For Women, Hyderabad
Profession	Badminton Player
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Married
Husband/Boyfriend	Parupalli Kashyap
Children	–
Height	In cm: 165 Centimeters, In m: 1.65 Meters, In ft Inches: 5 ft 5 Inch
Weight	In kg: 60 kg, In Pounds: 130 lbs
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Brown
Net Worth	$5 Million

Saina Nehwal is an inspirational figure in sports and popular culture in India. She has been one of the best Indian badminton players of all time and has won numerous medals in the international arena.

Importantly, she is the first Indian to have won an Olympic medal in badminton and the first Indian to have won a Super Series title.

Saina Nehwal embodies hard work and dedication, and her achievements have inspired many people to pursue their dreams and never give up.

Saina Nehwal’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Started Playing Badminton: In 1998 at the Age of 8
• Ranked No. 1 Badminton Player in the World in 2015
• Headedness: Right

Saina Nehwal’s Some of the Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• Won 455 Women’s Singles
• 2 Women’s Singles in the World Championship
• 5 Women’s Singles in the Commonwealth Games
• 2 Women’s Team in Uber Cup
• 1 Women’s Singles in the Olympic Games
• 1 Women’s Team and 1 Women’s Singles in Asian Games
• 3 Women’s Singles in Asian Championship

Saina Nehwal’s Awards at a Glance:

1. Arjuna Award in 2009
2. CNN- IBN Indian of the Year in 2009
3. Padma Shri in 2010
4. Big Star Most Entertaining Sportsperson of the Year in 2015
5. Padma Bhushan in 2016

4. Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (1995 to Present)

Full Name	Pusarla Venkata Sindhu
Nick Name	PV Sindhu
Date of Birth	5 July 1995
Current Age	27 Years (As of 2022)
Gender	Female
Place of Birth	Hyderabad, India
Zodiac Sign	Cancer
Residence	Hyderabad, Telangana
Education	School: Auxilium High School, Secunderabad College: St. Ann’s College for Women, Mehdipatnam
Profession	Badminton Player
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Unmarried
Husband/Boyfriend	–
Children	–
Height	In cm: 179 Centimeters, In m: 1.79 Meters, In ft Inches: 5 ft 10 Inch
Weight	In kg: 65 kg, In Pounds: 143 lbs
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Net Worth	$6 Million

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu is, also known as PV Sindhu, one of India’s most successful and beloved badminton players.

She has inspired aspiring athletes all over the country and made India proud with her spectacular wins.

Her success has inspired many and proved that hard work and dedication can take you to the top.

Srikanth Kidambi’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Started Playing Badminton: In 2009 at the age of 8
• Won Bronze Medal in the Sub-Junior Asian Badminton Championships in 2009
• Handedness: Right

Srikanth Kidambi’s Some of Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 411 Women’s Singles
• 5 Women’s Singles in the World Championship
• 2 Women’s Team in Uber Cup
• 2 Women’s Singles in the Olympic Games
• 1 Women’s Singles and 1 Women’s Team in Asian Games
• 2 Women’s Singles in Asian Championship
• 4 Women’s Singles and 1 Mixed Team in the Commonwealth Games
• 6 Golds, 7 Silvers, and 11 Bronze

Srikanth Kidambi’s Awards at a Glance:

1. Padma Shri in 2015
2. Arjuna Award in 2013
3. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2016

5. Srikanth Kidambi (1993 to Present)

Full Name	Srikanth Nammalwar Kidambi
Nick Name	Srikanth Kidambi
Date of Birth	7 February 1993
Current Age	29 Years (As of 2022)
Gender	Male
Place of Birth	Ravulapalem, Andhra Pradesh, India
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Residence	Guntur, India
Education	School: the Gopichand Badminton Academy, Hyderabad
Profession	India Badminton Player
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Unmarried
Wife/Girlfriend	–
Children	–
Height	In cm: 177 Centimeters, In m: 1.77 Meters, In ft Inches: 5 ft 10 Inch
Weight	In kg: 73 kg, In Pounds: 161 lbs
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Net Worth	$4 Million

Srikanth Kidambi is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating badminton players India has ever seen.

His incredible talent and dedication to the sport have earned him immense respect within the badminton community.

Additionally, he has already achieved multiple accolades.

However, Srikanth Kidambi is a true champion and an inspiration to millions of young badminton players in India.

Srikanth Kidambi’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Started Playing Badminton: In 2001 at the age of 8
• Handedness: Right

Srikanth Kidambi’s Some of Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 279 Men’s Singles
• 2 Mixed Teams and 2 Men’s Singles in Commonwealth Games
• 1 Men’s Singles in the World Championships
• 1 Men’s Team in Thomas Cup
• 2 Men’s Teams and 1 Men’s Singles in South Asian Games

Srikanth Kidambi’s Glorious Awards at a Glance:

1. Padma Shri in 2018
2. Cash by Several Organizations

6. Parupalli Kashyap (1986 to Present)

Full Name	Parupalli Kashyap
Nick Name	N/A
Date of Birth	8 September 1986
Current Age	36 Years (As of 2022)
Gender	Male
Place of Birth	Hyderabad, India
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Residence	Hyderabad, India
Education	School: Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy
Profession	Indian Badminton Player
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Married
Wife/Girlfriend	Saina Nehwal
Children	N/A
Height	In cm: 173 Centimeters, In m: 1.73 Meters, In ft Inches: 5ft 8 Inch
Weight	In kg: 70 kg, In Pounds: 154 lbs
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Net Worth	$2.5 – 5 Million

Parupalli Kashyap is an amazing Indian badminton player who has won many glorious achievements.

He has been an excellent performer in the badminton circuit and is one of the most popular players in India.

Kashyap has been a regular at international tournaments and is known for his attacking style.

He is an inspiration to many upcoming badminton players and is one of the most successful Indian badminton players of all time.

Parupalli Kashyap’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Headedness: Right

Parupalli Kashyap’s Some of the Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 301 Men’s Singles
• 2 Men’s Singles and 1 Mixed Team in the Commonwealth Games
• 1 Men’s Team in Asia Team Championships

Parupalli Kashyap’s Awards at a Glance

1. Arjuna Award in 2012
2. Cash by Several Organizations

7. Aparna Popat (1978 to Present)

Full Name	Aparna Lalji Popat
Nick Name	Aparna Popat
Date of Birth	18 January 1978
Current Age	44 Years (2022)
Gender	Female
Place of Birth	Mumbai
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn
Residence	Bangalore
Education	School: J.B. Petit School College: Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
Profession	Indian Badminton Player
Religion	N/A
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Married
Husband/Boyfriend	Rajeev Ved
Children	N/A
Height	In cm: 163 Centimeters, In m: 1.63 Meters, In ft Inches: 5 ft 4 Inch
Weight	In kg: 65 kg In Pounds: 143 lbs
Hair Color	Black/Brown
Eye Color	Black
Net Worth	$5 Million

Aparna Popat is one of the most familiar badminton players India has ever produced. She is also widely viewed as one of the best and most fascinating Indian badminton players of all time.

She has achieved tremendous international success and won several medals in the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

However, Aparna Popat’s achievements serve as a reminder of the immense potential that Indian sportspersons have, and we are sure she will continue to make India proud.

Aparna Popat’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Started Playing Badminton: In 1986 at the age of 8
• The first tournament at the national level was in 1989, where she won the National Title Under-12
• Handedness: Right

Aparna Popat‘s Some of the Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 2 Women’s Singles, 1 Women’s Teams, and 1 Mixed Team in the Commonwealth Games
• 1 Girl’s Singles in the World Junior Championship
• Winner of several IBF International Tournaments

Aparna Popat’s Awards at a Glance:

• Arjuna Award in 2005
• Cash by Several Organizations

8. Nandu Natekar (1933 to 2021)

Full Name	Nandu M. Natekar
Nick Name	Stroke Master
Date of Birth	12 May 1933
Current Age	86 Years (Died on July 28, 2021)
Gender	Male
Place of Birth	Sangli, India
Zodiac Sign	N/A
Residence	N/A
Education	N/A
Profession	Indian Badminton Player
Religion	N/A
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Married
Wife/Girlfriend	N/A
Children	Number: 3 Son: 1 (Gaurav Natekar) Daughter: 2 (Sangeeta Welinkar and Nishigandha Mathur)
Height	–
Weight	–
Hair Color	Black/White
Eye Color	Black
Net Worth	$1 – 5 Million

Nandu Natekar is a true champion of Indian badminton. Not only is he a former Indian badminton champion, but he is also a renowned international badminton player.

He has contributed immensely to the sport in his career, having won several international tournaments and representing India in several tournaments.

His skill and dedication to the sport are truly admirable and inspiring. He has also been a great teacher, mentor, and role model to many aspiring badminton players in India.

Nandu Natekar’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Before Prakash Padukone, Nandy Natekar was the hero of Badminton in India.

Nandu Natekar’s Some of the Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 6 Men’s Doubles in the National Championship
• 6 Men’s Singles in the National Championship
• 5 Mixed Doubles in the National Championship

Nandu Natekar’s Awards at a Glance:

1. Arjuna Award in 1961
2. Most popular Indian Sportsperson
3. Sahyadri Navratna Puraskar
4. Lifetime Achievement Award
5. IBF Meritorious Service Award

9. Ashwini Ponnappa (1989 to Present)

Full Name	Ashwini Ponnappa Machimanda
Nick Name	N/A
Date of Birth	18 September 1989
Current Age	33 years (As of 2022)
Gender	Female
Place of Birth	Bengaluru, India
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Residence	Hyderabad, India
Education	School: St. Francis Xavier Girls High School, Bangalore College: St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad
Profession	Indian Badminton Player
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Married
Husband/Boyfriend	Karan Medappa
Children	N/A
Height	In cm: 165 Centimeters, In m: 1.65 Meters, In ft Inches: 5 ft 5 Inches
Weight	In kg: 60 kg In Pounds: 132 lbs
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Net Worth	$5 Million

Ashwini Ponnappa is an amazing Indian badminton player known for her great sportsmanship and agility on the court.

She has played badminton since childhood and has represented India in many international competitions.

She has won several national medals in the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

However, Ashwini is an amazing player who has given her best to the sport and made India proud.

Ashwini Ponnappa’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Started Playing Badminton: In India, in 1953, at the age of 20. He had an equal interest in tennis and badminton. But after a while, he left tennis and selected badminton
• Handedness: Right

Ashwini Ponnappa’s Some of the Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 2 Women’s Doubles, 2 Women’s Teams, and 2 Mixed Doubles in the South Asian Games
• 1 Women’s Doubles in the Asian Championship
• 3 Women’s Doubles and 3 Mixed Teams in Commonwealth Games
• 1 Women’s Doubles in the World Championship

Ashwini Ponnappa’s Awards at a Glance:

1. Arjuna Award in 2012
2. Cash by several organizations

10. Jwala Gutta (1983 to Present)

Full Name	Jwala Gutta
Nick Name	N/A
Date of Birth	7 September 1983
Current Age	39 Years (As of 2022)
Gender	Female
Place of Birth	Wardha, Maharashtra, India
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Residence	Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Education	N/A
Profession	Professional Badminton Player, Actor and Athlete
Religion	Atheist
Nationality	Indian
Relationship Status	Married
Husband/Boyfriend	Boyfriend 1st Boyfriend: Chetan Anand (Badminton Player) 2nd Boyfriend: Vishnu Vishal (Tamil Actor and Producer) Husband1st Husband: Chetan Anand (Badminton Player) Vishnu Vishal (Tamil Actor and Producer)
Children	N/A
Height	In cm: 178 Centimeters, In m: 1.78 Meters, In ft Inches: 5 ft 10 Inches
Weight	In kg: 68 KgIn Pounds: 150 lbs
Hair Color	Brown
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Net Worth	$5 Million

Jwala Gutta is a marvelous Indian badminton player who has earned the title of being one of the best Indian badminton players of all time.

She has won numerous medals at the international level, including the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Championships and the bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in 2011.

However, Jwala Gutta exemplifies grit, determination, and courage, and her success story inspires all.

Jwala Gutta’s Badminton Career at a Glance:

• Started Playing Badminton: In 1993 at the age of six
• One of the most attractive achievements is the winner of the Under-13 Girls Mini National Badminton Championship
• Handedness: Left

Jwala Gutta’s Some of the Most Glorious Achievements at a Glance:

• 2 Women’s Team in Uber Cup
• 2 Mixed Teams and 2 Women’s Doubles in Commonwealth Games
• 1 Women’s Doubles in the World Championships
• 3 Women’s Doubles, 2 Mixed Doubles, and 3 Women’s Teams in the South Asian Games
• 1 Women’s Doubles in the Asian Championship

Jwala Gutta’s Awards at a Glance:

1. Arjuna Award in 2011
2. Cash by Several Organizations

Conclusion

The Indian Badminton scene has seen some incredible talent over the years, and the best of them stand out from the rest. From Prakash Padukone to Saina Nehwal, these players have achieved great sports success and have made India proud.

However, this list of the 10 best Indian badminton players of all time shows that Indian badminton has a long, proud history. While there are many greats to choose from, these five players undeniably stand out.

They have set an example for future generations of badminton players, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars. We salute these amazing athletes for their hard work and dedication!