Speaking to The Indian Express here late on Tuesday night soon after he checked into a hotel on arrival from Kuala Lumpur, the 1980 All-England champion said: ``It was my first trip to Kuala Lumpur in 10 years. Frankly, I was extremely surprised that people still remembered me. Yes, it was a great feeling and memories came flooding back.''

Memories of the 15-0 pasting to Han Jian (1983) and the epic three-setter with Luan Jian (1982) when the Chinese star nearly died of ``chest cramps'' are still vivid in one's mind. Prakash won a memorable battle with Luan Jin, who, at that time, was reckoned to be the fittest player. But the Indian star took him to three games and won the match on a controversial line call by which time an exhausted Luan Jin could barely move.

However, one of the earliest memories is of Prakash's stunning loss to Misbun Sidek in 1980 within two months after winning the All-England title. En route to Jakarta, Indonesia, for the World Championships, the Indian team stopped over in KL for a few matches. The capacity crowd at the Stadium Negara hissed at and booed Prakash while it backed Misbun who had rocked the badminton world with his `spin service' (subsequently banned).

In 1988, an ageing Prakash contemplating retirement, still had enough left in him to stretch Yang Yang to three games in a Thomas Cup tie. ``It was a terrific match,'' recalled Prakash.

At the height of his career, Prakash was more popular in Malaysia and Indonesia, and even China, than in his home country. He was mobbed everywhere he went and his name opened doors, earned free taxi rides and complimentary meals, in these south-eastern countries. An Indian could identify himself with his country by simply saying ``Prakash''.

``People recalled some of my matches in KL and I must confess that it was a most enjoyable experience for me,'' said Prakash who sounded wistful, perhaps hoping he could shed the years, become young again and mesmerise the connoisseurs with his control, guile and grace which are at a premium in these days of power badminton.