Nandu Natekar
One of India's first badminton stars, who won international titles in the 1950s and received the Arjuna Award in 1961.
Quick facts
- Sport:
- Badminton
- Lived:
- 1933 to 2021
- Award:
- Arjuna Award, 1961
Career
Nandu Natekar was among the first Indian badminton players to win international titles, in the 1950s. He won many national championships and represented India in the Thomas Cup. He received the Arjuna Award in 1961, the first year of the award.
Pune link
He lived in Pune and stayed close to the city's sporting life for the rest of his life. His son Gaurav Natekar became a national tennis champion.
More in Sports Personalities of Pune
-
Chandu Borde
Pune's great all-rounder of the 1960s, who later captained India in a Test and led the national selection committee.
-
Dhanraj Pillay
The hockey forward from Khadki who played for India at four Olympic Games and captained the national team.
-
Abhijit Kunte
Chess grandmaster from Pune and national champion, now a coach to young players.
- Kedar Jadhav The Pune batsman and part-time spinner who played one day internationals for India and many seasons for Maharashtra.
-
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Opening batsman from Pune who captained India to gold at the 2023 Asian Games and later captained Chennai Super Kings.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.