MUMBAI, MARCH 25: Former international badminton player Manohar Bopardikar died of a massive cardiac arrest at his residence this morning. He was 70 and is survived by a daughter.`Bopi' as addressed by his friends had partnered Nandu Natekar to win the international veteran titles. He had served as the chairman of the selection committee for Maharashtra's senior team. He was also the secretary to the Mumbai Suburban District Badminton Association.Former Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA) president and ace shuttler Nandu Natekar expressed shock and dismay over the death of his doubles partner Manohar Bopardikar and said that he had lost his great friend. ``We not only won doubles titles as partners but have won many singles titles as well,'' Natekar said. He recalled that after having first met him in 1951 they went on to strengthen their friendship through badminton. ``He was not only a great badminton player but an equally good manager and coach for the juniors,'' he added. Similar sentiments were echoed by former MBA senior vice president and secretary Suresh Phalnikar. ``I have lost a very good friend. He was like a family member to me,'' he said.Former MBA secretary S V Natu in his condolence said that Maharashtra has lost a great player and the void is difficult to be filled. He was an ardent follower of the game and managed the Maharashtra junior and senior players with great discipline, Natu said.
