Padukone: Semi-Retired, Grandfather Mode Activated

Badminton icon Prakash Padukone, a Padma Shri awardee, is now in a semi-retired phase, dedicating over three decades to the sport. He has transitioned from active involvement in the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, which he co-founded more than thirty years ago, to championing a new grassroots endeavor, the Padukone School of Badminton. This shift allows him more time for family, fitness, and personal pursuits.

Padukone's new venture aims to standardize coaching across multiple centers through a private limited company, planning to expand its activities to include tournaments and educational programs. This move follows his step away from the academy in the latter part of 2025, shortly after celebrating his 70th birthday.

He finds profound fulfillment in grandparenthood, particularly with his granddaughter Dua. Padukone noted the transformative experience of being a grandparent, a feeling he did not anticipate, and now understands the deep bond grandparents share. He observes Dua's daily changes, a stark contrast to his own experience raising his daughters when frequent travel kept him away.

Maintaining his well-being, Padukone follows a structured routine including gym sessions three times a week and yoga twice weekly. His dietary habits involve moderation, avoiding excessive sweets and oily foods, and he emphasizes an active lifestyle, opting for stairs over elevators and going for walks when not exercising.

His evenings are generally relaxed, involving walks, television, or meeting friends. He is also involved in corporate talks, drawing parallels between sports and the corporate world, emphasizing discipline, dedication, and teamwork. Padukone expresses satisfaction with his contributions to Indian badminton's evolution.