Badminton ace Bopardikar no more

Bopardikar won the National men’s doubles title pairing with Nandu Natekar at Guwahati. Doubles titles followed at the All-England veteran’s championship (1980 & 81) and the runners-up spot in 1982.

He was also a silver medalist at Toronto (Canada) in 1985 at the World Masters Games.

Reacting to Bopardikar’s death, Nandu Natekar said: “We not only were doubles partners in many tourneys, winning many titles but he was a true friend of mine. He was an inspiration during crucial matches.”

“It was indeed a big shock to hear about the sudden demise of Bopardikar who had contributed so much for the development of the game in India both as a player and also as an able administrator, ” said Prakash Padukone.

“He had this ability to carry everyone along with him and was very popular amongst players of all ages. He was present at almost every National Championships for the last several years and his absence from the scene will certainly be felt by all. I personally knew Bopi as he was popularly called, since my childhood and i have spent several hours with him discussing the variuos aspects of the game. His untimely death will definitely be a big blow for the sport in the country.”

Suresh Phalnikar, former senior vice-president and former secretary of MBA and SV Natu, vice-president, MBA, termed Bopardikar’s death as a personal loss. Phalnikar fondly remembered teaming with Bopardikar to win the Nanded State veterans doubles title in 1979. While, SV Natu said that it is a greatloss to maharashtra badminton. He was the most popular manager of the junior and senior players state team at various national tournies.