Deepika Padukone announces expansion of Padukone School of Badminton on father Prakash Padukone’s 70th birthday

Legacy Takes Flight with New Chapter in Indian Badminton

On June 10, 2025, the world of Indian badminton saw a major announcement—one rooted in family, vision, and legacy. Deepika Padukone, global cinema icon and daughter of badminton legend Prakash Padukone, revealed the next phase of the Padukone School of Badminton. The expansion marks a strategic push to build infrastructure, training programs, and nationwide access points to the sport that shaped her father’s illustrious career.

A Family Rooted in Sport

The Padukone name has long been synonymous with Indian badminton. Prakash Padukone’s historic All England Championship win in 1980 was more than just personal—it was a signal that Indian athletes could dominate on global courts. That legacy rippled forward, both through grassroots initiatives and in the athletic discipline instilled in his family. Deepika’s childhood was shaped by early morning training sessions and court-side observation, before she ultimately took a different path into modeling and acting.

This announcement wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. On her father’s 70th birthday, the timing was more than symbolic. It was an acknowledgment of decades of work behind the scenes, both by him and the team that has quietly built one of India’s most respected badminton institutions.

What the Expansion Covers

New Training Centers Across Tier-2 Cities

One of the most impactful parts of this rollout is its focus on regional inclusion. New centers are being launched in cities such as Indore, Kochi, Guwahati, and Nagpur—locations often overlooked by major sporting programs. Each new center will follow the same high-performance coaching framework developed by Prakash Padukone and his longtime collaborator, Vimal Kumar.

Technology-Integrated Coaching

The school is embracing performance analytics. AI-based video analysis, player movement tracking, and nutrition-monitoring platforms are being added to the training regimen. Coaches will receive monthly reports, while players get feedback broken down in granular detail—from serve speed to court coverage efficiency. These tools aim to close the gap between Indian athletes and their international counterparts.

Women-Focused Training Batches

Another highlight is the introduction of exclusive women’s programs. These batches—coached by female trainers—will offer safe, specialized environments for girls aged 10–18. There is also a mentorship pipeline in development, pairing younger athletes with seasoned female players for regular check-ins.

Year-By-Year Expansion Roadmap

Scholarships and Talent Scouting

Starting July 2025, the Padukone School will offer 100 full scholarships annually for underprivileged talent. These will be awarded after multi-round district trials, followed by one-on-one interviews with a coaching panel. The selection will not solely focus on current performance but also on potential, mindset, and adaptability.

Additionally, a new partnership is being inked with schools in rural Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to set up early talent ID programs. Each selected school will receive basic court infrastructure and training for P.E. teachers.

Words from the Inner Circle

Prakash Padukone Reflects

In a rare public moment, Prakash Padukone spoke about the initiative during a closed-door event in Bengaluru on June 10, 2025. “This is not just about badminton. It’s about discipline, dignity, and what sport can teach you about life. I’m proud of what we’ve built—but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead,” he said to an audience of former players, young athletes, and family friends.

Coaching Staff Weigh In

Chief Coach Vimal Kumar confirmed that the expansion has been in planning since 2023. “We’ve been carefully studying regional infrastructure gaps. What we’re launching isn’t just a series of branches—it’s a strategic blueprint for sustainable excellence,” he noted. Kumar also stressed the importance of bringing qualified coaches into smaller cities, not just facilities.

Industry Reaction

The broader sports community has responded positively. Indian shuttlers like P.V. Sindhu and Lakshya Sen sent personal messages of support, acknowledging the school’s contribution to their early development. Sports administrators have also taken note, particularly because the model includes not just elite training but also foundational ecosystem building—something Indian badminton has long needed.

As of September 05, 2025, no formal tie-up with the Badminton Association of India has been announced, but informal collaboration is expected, especially around youth tournament structuring and referee development programs.

Behind the Brand: Business Meets Purpose

The Padukone School of Badminton is being backed by a new not-for-profit trust with partial funding from the Padukone family and select private donors. No government grants are involved at this stage. Branding and storytelling will be handled by KA Enterprises, the venture platform co-founded by Deepika Padukone.

While the expansion is deeply personal, it’s also being managed with corporate discipline—quarterly impact reports, strict ROI assessments (in terms of athlete growth and participation metrics), and third-party audits will be part of the operational fabric.

Numbers That Matter

Looking Ahead

This isn’t a one-time initiative. It’s designed as a 10-year playbook. The school’s leadership is already in talks to bring in international consultants for a periodic audit and curriculum refresh. There are also whispers about a potential franchise model for Southeast Asia by 2030, although nothing is confirmed.

For now, the focus remains close to home: training young athletes, reaching underserved areas, and honoring a legacy that goes beyond medals. It’s about proving that excellence, when nurtured consistently, can be passed down just like tradition.