Badminton Legend Prakash Padukone Enjoys Meal at Iconic Bengaluru Restaurant

Badminton Legend Prakash Padukone Enjoys Meal at Iconic Bengaluru Restaurant

Badminton legend Prakash Padukone and his wife, Ujjala Padukone, recently graced the iconic south Indian restaurant Vidyarthi Bhavan in Bengaluru with their presence. The eatery shared a video on social media of the couple savoring the restaurant’s legendary dishes.

Vidyarthi Bhavan, renowned for its delectable benne dosas and vadas, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Despite its popularity, the restaurant maintains its authenticity and charm, with long lines of patrons eagerly awaiting their turn to indulge in its culinary delights.

In the video, the Padukones, parents of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, are seen relishing dosas and sharing their positive feedback about the restaurant. Prakash Padukone even posed for a photo with a server balancing multiple plates of dosa on one arm, a signature image of Vidyarthi Bhavan that has been likened to an “Olympic sport” by industrialist Anand Mahindra.

The video has garnered significant attention online, with over 42,000 views and numerous comments. While some users praised the restaurant’s consistent taste and quality, others expressed mixed reviews, suggesting that the food may not be as exceptional as it once was.

Despite the varying opinions, Vidyarthi Bhavan remains a top choice for locals and celebrities alike. The restaurant has been serving its signature dishes since 1943, and its popularity has only grown over the years. Notable figures such as Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Starbucks co-founder Zev Siegl have also visited the eatery.

Vidyarthi Bhavan’s enduring appeal lies in its commitment to tradition and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia among its patrons. The restaurant’s simple yet flavorful dishes have become synonymous with the city of Bengaluru, and its legacy continues to be celebrated by generations of food lovers.

Lakshya Sen's Olympic Heartbreak: India's Medal Hopes Dashed

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Heartbreak: India’s Medal Hopes Dashed

Lakshya Sen’s heartbreaking fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics 2024 shattered India’s hopes of a badminton medal. The 22-year-old shuttler’s devastating loss to Viktor Axelsen in the semifinals and Lee Zii Jia in the bronze-medal match left a bitter taste in the mouths of Indian fans.

Sen’s journey to the semifinals was nothing short of remarkable. Despite having his first-round win against Kevin Cordon “deleted” due to the Guatemalan’s injury, he fought his way through a series of tough opponents, including Julien Carraggi, Jonatan Christie, HS Prannoy, and Chou Tien-Chen.

However, in the semifinals against Axelsen, Sen’s momentum faltered. He squandered three game points in the first game and a 7-0 lead in the second, handing the match to the Danish star.

A day later, with the bronze medal still within reach, Sen seemed poised to secure a podium finish. He won the first game against Lee, but a disastrous second game, in which he lost nine straight points, opened the door for the Malaysian. Lee capitalized on Sen’s lapse and sealed the victory, ending India’s 12-year streak of winning at least one Olympic medal in badminton.

Sen’s coach, Prakash Padukone, was brutally honest in his assessment of the shuttler’s performance. He urged Lakshya and other Indian players to take more responsibility and highlighted the need for a stricter approach. Padukone’s strictness was evident in his decision to confiscate Sen’s phone during the Olympics.

Despite the disappointment, Sen remains optimistic about the future. He acknowledged the learning experience and expressed his determination to improve. Axelsen himself predicted that Sen could be a strong contender for gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Gavaskar Backs Padukone's Call for Badminton Players to Take Responsibility

Gavaskar Backs Padukone’s Call for Badminton Players to Take Responsibility

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has come to the defense of badminton legend Prakash Padukone, who recently called for players to take responsibility for India’s disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics. Padukone’s comments came after Lakshya Sen squandered two opportunities to win a medal, losing in the semifinals and bronze medal match.

Gavaskar argues that Padukone’s remarks were justified, as players today receive ample support from federations and the government. He believes that players should be held accountable for their performances, rather than making excuses.

Gavaskar also criticized Lakshya Sen’s performance, saying that he “lost his trend of thought and concentration” in crucial moments. He emphasized the importance of mental toughness and focus, which cannot be taught by coaches but must come from within the athlete.

This was the first time in 16 years that India did not win a medal in badminton at the Olympics. Earlier, double-Olympic medalist PV Sindhu suffered a shocking exit in the pre-quarters, while the Asian Games champion pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were stunned in the quarters.

Gavaskar’s comments have sparked a debate, with some criticizing Padukone for being too harsh on Lakshya Sen. However, Gavaskar maintains that his remarks were well-intentioned and aimed at motivating players to perform better in the future.

Padukone's Criticism of Lakshya Sen Sparks Controversy

Padukone’s Criticism of Lakshya Sen Sparks Controversy

Prakash Padukone’s comments on Lakshya Sen’s loss at the Paris Olympics 2024 have sparked controversy. Padukone, the former coach and mentor of the badminton team, expressed disappointment and urged players to “step up and win as expected.”

These remarks drew mixed reactions. Ashwini Ponnappa, a fellow badminton player, responded with a fiery reply. However, Olympic medallist Abhinav Bindra, who was present at the Olympics as part of the Athletes Commission, partially agreed with Padukone.

Bindra emphasized collective accountability, stating, “An athlete is very much part of it. So I don’t completely disagree with what Mr. Padukone said.” He also highlighted the need for responsible spending on athletes and ensuring that funds are utilized effectively.

Padukone further stressed the importance of mental training for athletes to handle pressure situations. He suggested implementing a system similar to China’s, where they develop multiple players instead of relying on a single star.

“We cannot remain satisfied just having one player. We need to focus on the next line, maybe even the third line,” Padukone said. “There is a lot of talent, but a combined effort is required.”

He also emphasized the need for players to take responsibility and be accountable for their performance. “Not just ask for whatever you ask for. Once you are given that, you also have to be accountable,” he said.

Padukone’s comments have sparked a debate about the expectations placed on Indian athletes, the need for mental training, and the importance of developing a robust talent pipeline.

Indian Badminton Stars Disappoint at Paris Olympics, Prakash Padukone and Sunil Gavaskar Criticise Lakshya Sen

Indian Badminton Stars Disappoint at Paris Olympics, Prakash Padukone and Sunil Gavaskar Criticise Lakshya Sen

The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a bittersweet experience for Indian sports fans. After the high of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where India returned with a record seven medals, the expectation was that at the Paris Olympics, the haul would be bigger. However, following a string of narrow misses and some unlucky incidents (like the Vinesh Phogat disqualification), India won six medals.

Badminton was one sport where India has fared well in the last three editions. Starting from the 2012 Olympics, Indian badminton stars have returned with at least one medal. However, this time there were no medals. The star duo of Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty could not enter the semi-finals. Singles player Lakshya Sen became the first Indian male shuttler to enter the Olympic semi-final but lost crucial matches despite being in a strong situation.

Amid such displays, badminton legend Prakash Padukone said that It was time for the badminton stars to bring home good results as there was enough support from the government and other stakeholders. The comment was criticised by many. Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar, however, has supported Prakash Padukone and critisiced Lakshya Sen’s mental block.

Gavaskar felt that Lakshya had lost his “thought and concentration”. “For those who watched both the semifinal and the bronze medal matches, it did appear that Lakshya had lost his trend of thought and concentration in the way he looked at his racquet as he sipped from his water bottle in between points or at the changeovers,” Gavaskar wrote.

“I could be completely wrong, but on TV, it looked like a blank expression, and that’s usually a sign that the mind has wandered. Concentration and focus are things that no coach or trainer can ever teach. It can be developed over the years by the athlete by observing other champions and having an inner resolve, but there’s no specific program for it. Yes, mind trainers are around, but they can only do so much and not more. It’s got to be within the athlete.”

Indian Badminton Contingent Fails to Medal at Paris Olympics, Padukone Urges Players to Take Responsibility

Indian Badminton Contingent Fails to Medal at Paris Olympics, Padukone Urges Players to Take Responsibility

India’s badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics failed to secure a medal, despite high expectations and a roster featuring some of the country’s top players. Prakash Padukone, a legendary former Indian shuttler and mentor to Lakshya Sen, expressed disappointment and urged the players to take responsibility for their underwhelming performances.

Lakshya Sen, who became the first Indian male shuttler to reach an Olympic semi-final, squandered an opportunity to bring home a medal, according to Padukone. The Indian men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were knocked out in the quarterfinal, while two-time medallist PV Sindhu bowed out in the round of 16 in women’s singles.

Padukone emphasized that the players have received adequate support from the government and that they should not blame external factors for their failures. “After Milkha Singh in ’64 and PT Usha in the ’80s, we have so many fourth-place finishes. I think it’s high time that the players also take responsibility,” he said.

Padukone urged the players to introspect and question whether they are working hard enough. He pointed out that they have access to excellent facilities and support staff, which is not the case in many other countries.

Regarding Lakshya Sen’s defeat, Padukone was particularly critical of the way he squandered his 1-0 lead against Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match. “He could have definitely gotten a medal,” Padukone said. “He cannot give this as an excuse. Take the responsibility and work harder.”

Padukone’s comments highlight the need for Indian badminton players to step up and deliver when it matters most. They must take ownership of their performances and strive for excellence, rather than relying solely on external support.

Prakash Padukone Guides PV Sindhu in Paris Olympics Village

Prakash Padukone Guides PV Sindhu in Paris Olympics Village

Prakash Padukone, the legendary Indian badminton player, is relishing the vibrant atmosphere of the Paris Olympics Village. As part of PV Sindhu’s coaching team, Padukone is sharing the space with some of the biggest names in sports, including Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal.

Padukone’s role in Team Sindhu is primarily tactical. While Agus Dwi Santoso focuses on enhancing Sindhu’s stroke power and variety, Padukone guides her on the strategic deployment of those strokes. He emphasizes the importance of using the right strokes at the right time, a skill he honed during his illustrious career.

Padukone’s association with Sindhu began last year as a mentor. He has since accompanied her to several tournaments, aiming to restore her confidence and rediscover her winning ways. While Sindhu has shown glimpses of her former brilliance, Padukone acknowledges the challenges of transforming her game in a short period.

Despite the time constraints, Padukone is confident in Sindhu’s ability to contend for a medal in Paris. He believes her big-match mentality and unwavering focus on peaking at the right time will serve her well. Sindhu’s impressive medal haul at major tournaments, including silver at the 2016 Rio Games and bronze in Tokyo, further bolsters Padukone’s optimism.

Padukone’s presence in the Village is a testament to his enduring passion for badminton. He is eager to share his knowledge and experience with Sindhu and help her achieve her Olympic dreams. The camaraderie and shared experiences within the Village are also a source of inspiration for Padukone, who is embracing the spirit of the Games.

Lakshya Sen's Resurgence: From Lean Patch to Olympic Qualification

Lakshya Sen’s Resurgence: From Lean Patch to Olympic Qualification

Lakshya Sen’s career took a downturn in the latter half of 2022, with a string of early exits and a split from coach Anup Sridhar. His Olympic qualification chances seemed bleak as he slipped in the rankings. However, the 22-year-old has staged a remarkable turnaround, reaching the semi-finals of both the French Open and All England Open this month.

Sen attributes his resurgence to changes in training, including increased court time and focus on specific strokes and variations. He also credits the guidance of coaches Prakash Padukone and U Vimal Kumar, who have instilled confidence and discipline in him.

Despite the lean patch, Sen remained determined and trusted the process. He worked tirelessly to improve his fitness and technical skills, and the results are now evident. He acknowledges that he is still not at his peak but believes he is close to playing at his best.

The presence of Padukone and Kumar as coaches has been a significant factor in Sen’s recent success. Their experience and positive reinforcement have boosted his confidence and helped him navigate tough matches. They have also ensured that he remains disciplined and focused off the court.

Looking ahead, Sen is confident about India’s chances of defending the Thomas Cup title. He believes the team has the strength to beat any opponent and is determined to give their best.

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