Deepika Padukone Unveils Badminton Academy on Father Prakash Padukone’s 70th Birthday

Deepika Padukone Launches ‘Padukone School of Badminton’ on Father’s 70th Birthday, Expands to 75 Centres Across India.

Actor Deepika Padukone marked her father Prakash Padukone’s 70th birthday with a heartfelt gift: the official launch of the Padukone School of Badminton (PSB). Announcing the news on Instagram, Deepika shared an emotional tribute to her father, a legendary former World No. 1 and All England Champion, expressing gratitude for the role badminton has played in her life.

“As someone who grew up playing badminton, I’ve experienced firsthand how much this sport can shape one’s life – physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Deepika wrote. “Through PSB, we hope to bring the joy and discipline of badminton to people from all walks of life and build a generation that is healthier, more focused, and inspired by sport.”

She added a personal note for her father:
“Pappa, those who know you well know your passion for this sport. Even at 70, all you do is eat, sleep and breathe badminton. We are committed to making your passion a reality: Badminton for All!”

PSB: A Vision for ‘Badminton for All’
According to an official press release, the Padukone School of Badminton aims to demo crates access to quality coaching, with a goal of reaching 250 centers by 2027. In just one year, PSB has already established over 75 grassroots coaching centers in 18 cities across India, including Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Nashik, Mysuru, Panipat, Dehradun, Udaipur, Coimbatore, Sangli, and Surat.

Deepika Padukone described the initiative as her contribution to building a fitter, more sports-oriented India. The school is designed for participants of all ages and skill levels, with over 100 coaches already trained under a structured certification programme. PSB also provides access to top-tier facilities, aiming to consistently deliver high-quality training and talent development.

Prakash Padukone on His Role and the Mission Ahead
Prakash Padukone has joined PSB as a mentor and advisor. Emphasising the long-term value of sport in shaping character, he said:

“Sport is an integral part of growing up – it instills discipline, resilience, and a winning mindset that extends well beyond the court. With PSB, our goal is to make quality coaching accessible and affordable, nurture talent from the grassroots, and set a strong foundation for the future of Indian badminton.”

With a rapidly expanding network and a clear mission to foster excellence and inclusivity, the Padukone School of Badminton stands poised to become a major force in grassroots sports development across India.