In a heartwarming convergence of legacy, sport, and celebrity, Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone and her legendary father Prakash Padukone have officially launched the Padukone School of Badminton (PSB) — a nationwide initiative aimed at revolutionizing grassroots badminton coaching across India. This father-daughter collaboration is not just a personal project, but a national movement to nurture talent, promote health, and instill discipline in the next generation.
The announcement came via Deepika’s Instagram, where she wrote passionately about the deep impact badminton has had on her life. "As someone who grew up playing badminton, I’ve experienced firsthand how much this sport can shape one’s life – physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she shared. “Through Padukone School of Badminton, 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.”
A Star’s Roots in Sport
Though now a global film star, Deepika’s story began on the badminton court. Born to Prakash Padukone, India’s first All England Badminton Champion and a true sporting legend, she trained rigorously in the sport during her younger years. While acting became her chosen path, the discipline and athleticism instilled during those early days have clearly shaped her success in Bollywood and beyond.
This venture isn’t a mere endorsement or branding exercise. It's a return to roots, a deeply personal initiative born out of both nostalgia and national pride.
What Is the Padukone School of Badminton?
The Padukone School of Badminton (PSB) is a grassroots coaching network designed to make world-class badminton training accessible across India. In its first year, PSB will launch 75 centers across 18 cities, including Bengaluru, NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Nashik, Mysuru, Panipat, Dehradun, Udaipur, Coimbatore, Sangli, and Surat.
By the end of 2025, the goal is to scale to 100 coaching centers, eventually expanding to 250 centers over the next three years.
This ambitious rollout reflects a long-term vision: to democratize access to quality sports infrastructure and coaching, and to create a pan-India badminton culture that transcends class and geography.
Why This Matters
India has witnessed a growing love for badminton in recent years, thanks to stars like P.V. Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth. However, access to professional-level coaching still remains limited, especially outside metro cities.
The PSB initiative seeks to bridge this gap by providing structured training programs, curated by some of the best minds in Indian badminton — including, of course, Prakash Padukone himself, whose expertise and legacy lend unmatched credibility to the venture.
This initiative is not only about creating champions; it's also about shaping well-rounded individuals. The emphasis is as much on mental discipline and character-building as it is on technique and performance.
A Vision of Wellness and National Pride
Deepika’s message is clear: badminton isn’t just a sport; it’s a vehicle for holistic development. In an era when screen addiction and sedentary lifestyles are major health concerns among Indian youth, PSB represents a timely push for physical activity, mental focus, and emotional resilience.
In her announcement, she articulated this vision beautifully, calling for a generation that is “healthier, more focused, and inspired by sport.”
This is especially relevant in a country where sports have often taken a back seat to academic pressures. The Padukone School of Badminton may help change that narrative by making sport a desirable and accessible pursuit — not just for future athletes, but for every child and adult looking to live a healthier, more balanced life.
City-Wise Impact
The decision to expand rapidly to 18 cities in the first year — from metros like Mumbai and Delhi to tier-2 hubs like Sangli and Panipat — shows that the initiative isn’t just urban elite-centric. It’s inclusive by design.
This pan-India presence also promises to uncover hidden talent from areas that may not have had access to professional training before. By casting such a wide net, PSB could become a fertile ground for discovering India’s next global badminton star.
A Unique Father-Daughter Legacy
What makes this initiative particularly compelling is the emotional and generational bond behind it. Prakash Padukone, a man who gave India its first real taste of international badminton glory, and Deepika Padukone, a modern icon of excellence and perseverance in cinema, are two towering figures in their own fields. Together, they symbolize the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
This partnership isn’t just symbolic. With Prakash’s guidance on the sports side and Deepika’s visibility and business acumen, PSB stands a real chance of becoming a transformational force in Indian sports education.
The Future of PSB
The launch of Padukone School of Badminton comes at a time when the Indian government is actively promoting sports through schemes like Khelo India and Fit India Movement. PSB could act as a complementary private initiative that works in tandem with national efforts to boost sporting culture.
The long-term vision to scale up to 250 centers within three years indicates that this is not a short-term project but a strategic commitment to building a nationwide ecosystem.
There’s potential for international collaborations, talent scouting, scholarships, and even integration with school curricula in the future.
Conclusion: More Than a School, It’s a Movement
In launching the Padukone School of Badminton, Deepika and Prakash Padukone have served a powerful reminder: sport has the ability to shape not just individuals but nations. This isn’t just about coaching centers or building champions; it’s about instilling values, creating opportunities, and inspiring a nation to move.
As India continues its journey to becoming a global sporting powerhouse, initiatives like PSB will play a vital role in ensuring the base is broad, deep, and strong.
