The bunch charging ahead currently, breaking new ground for India at the world stage because of their sheer numbers, has several from the Padukone academy — Aravind Bhat, Anup Sridhar, Aditi Mutatkar, Anand Pawar, besides colts waiting in the wings, Ajay Jayram, Gayatri Vartak and Sayali Gokhale.

“I realised being just technically sound wasn’t enough. There are so many other things — motivating players, disciplining them. All of them need careful handling, and it’s different for different age groups,” he says. One such instance was of a nine-year-old who stumped him with this poser, asked with audacity and innocence: “Are you really the All-England champion?”

“Do you think I am?” Padukone replied with a smile. “Actually, I won it only once. Now do you still want that autograph?”

India’s number two woman player, Mutatkar, says it’s difficult not to be influenced by Padukone. “It’s about what he really stands for — honesty and leading your life simply and humbly.”

Termed too mild to be assertive sometimes, Padukone left his BAI post in 2000, disillusioned with the system. But he continued working in the academy and kept organising tournaments, and also became a part of Olympic Gold Quest, a foundation he started with former billiards world champion Geet Sethi.

“I feel a little tired now. Maybe another two years, and then I’d like to hand over the reins to others and give some time to family. Maybe after the Commonwealth Games,” Padukone says about his active involvement in badminton. “Work is hands-on now, but I want to slowly get off the day-to-day working. I might remain in-charge, but I want to come on the final day and just sit and watch.”

... contd.