Deepika Padukone badminton grassroots initiative with Prakash Padukone is making a significant mark as they introduce over 75 badminton coaching centers throughout India, aiming to nurture young sporting talent and foster a culture of fitness at the community level. This major effort, spearheaded by the renowned actress and her father, India’s first All-England Champion, is redefining opportunities for aspiring athletes nationwide.
A Star Turns Her Focus Back to Badminton Roots
Deepika Padukone, internationally recognized as both a Bollywood powerhouse and a fashion icon, is now channeling her influence toward badminton—the very sport that played a vital role in her early life. Joining forces with her legendary father, Prakash Padukone, she has embarked on an ambitious project that reaches beyond entertainment, aiming to revolutionize grassroots sports in the country.
Growth of the Padukone School of Badminton
The Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), co-founded by the duo, has rapidly grown into one of the largest movements for sports education in India. Over the past year, they’ve opened more than 75 coaching centers across 18 cities, touching both major metropolitan hubs and tier-2 towns such as Panipat, Udaipur, and Sangli. Carrying the rallying cry of “Badminton for All,” PSB is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of shuttlers and encouraging widespread participation in physical fitness.
The momentum is strong, with plans already underway to scale the number of centers to 100 before year-end and a bold target of reaching 250 locations within the next three years. This expansion highlights the scale of their commitment and their confidence in the transformative power of sport.
Instilling Lifelong Values Through Sport
Deepika Padukone credits her experience on the court for shaping her mental toughness and discipline, qualities she’s eager to pass along to young athletes. Prakash Padukone, serving as mentor for this initiative, envisions a future where structured training and professional-level facilities reach even the most underserved regions of India. He sees the project as not merely a path to medals, but a way to build essential life skills and foster resilience through sport.
Continuing Her Dominance in Entertainment
Even as she champions the grassroots badminton movement, Deepika’s film career remains as eventful as ever. After her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Spirit” due to reported concerns over working conditions, she swiftly transitioned into her next venture. She is now set to star in Atlee’s upcoming action entertainer alongside Allu Arjun, taking on the powerful role of a warrior queen. Deepika has additional major projects lined up, including “Kalki 2” and “King”, which further solidify her position as a formidable presence in Indian cinema.
The Broader Impact of the Initiative
The Deepika Padukone badminton grassroots initiative with Prakash Padukone stands as one of India’s largest efforts to democratize sports accessibility, blending the star power of entertainment icons with proven athletic leadership. As more coaching centers open from the Padukone School of Badminton, children and communities across India will gain unprecedented opportunities to engage with professional training and develop a strong sporting mindset—a transformation that may well shape the country’s athletic future for years to come.
