Padukone brings badminton expertise to UAE

Sport360 staff 22:21 20/08/2016
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  • Prakash Padukone, widely regarded as the trailblazer of Indian badminton, will bring the expertise of his acclaimed academy to the UAE. The Prakash Padukone Sports Mangement (PPSM) for Badminton has signed up a partnership with the Dubai-based Prime Star Sport Academy LLC with the stated objective to create professional badminton champions in the UAE.

    The UAE, especially Dubai, is fast becoming a hot spot for the sport with the dedicated backing of the government in popularizing badminton among the masses.

    Various programmes have been launched under Shuttle Time Dubai, culminating in the hosting of the Dubai World Superseries Finals, which features the eight top players in the Destination Dubai Rankings in singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories towards the end of the year.

    Padukone’s status in the sport is legendary. The 61-year-old was the first Indian to win the All England Championship in 1979, apart from winning several other international titles. In the final of All England, he defeated the then world No1 and defending champion Lim Swie King of Indonesia, which led to him becoming the first Indian to be ranked No1 in the world.

    Speaking to the various aspiring young players in the launch function at Dusit Thani Hotel, Padukone said: “Through our tie-up with Prime Star, we aim to give to bring our expertise in coaching students at different levels. We will certify and train the Prime Star coaches in Bangalore, as well as deputise coaches and conduct workshops here in the UAE.

    “I am here to assure you all that we will add a lot of value to the good work that is already being done here in the UAE.”

    Prime Star Sports was established by co-founders Ravichandran K and Ravikumar BM in 2014 and has quickly established itself as a leader in badminton training. More than 700 students have benefited from their world-class coaching system.

    “We want to give badminton players from the area the opportunity to develop to be amongst the best in the country using an innovative training system. Our training program revolves around the individual player by developing individual solutions that suit each player and their future plans,” said Ravikumar.

    “Quality coaching is important in any sport but even more so in badminton. The partnership with someone of the stature of Prakash Padukone is really dream-cometrue for us.

    “Through his experience, and knowing what they have done for the sport in India, I am sure we on the path of achieving something very good for UAE badminton in the future.”

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