Ever since Indian badminton stars Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth and P.V.Sindhu proved their class at the international level, the game of Badminton has reached popularity heights at different levels. Now, all National level badminton tournaments have been receiving very good response. Be it at Juniors level or Veterans level, more and more players are coming forward to participate and prove their mettle.
Recently, Milind Purnapatre, who has been playing badminton for the past 40 years, won the All India Central Revenue Badminton Championship in 50+ Singles event. Milind had made his competitive debut in the inter school competition in 1974-75 season and helped his school representing Anandibai Banket High School, Chalisgaon, to win the district and divisional titles. Milind created a history in 1977-78 season, when he became the first shuttler from the district to be selected in Pune University team, for the Inter University tourney and even led the leam in 1980. He also represented Jalgaon district in the state championship for over a decade and was crowned the district champion in 1980.
Milind’s progress in Badminton found him a job in the Income tax department after graduation in commerce, under the sports quota. Since 2002-03, he has been representing and leading the Regional Sports Board , Mumbai at the All India Civil Services tournaments. He has also served as a Coach of the women’s team, which won the tournament in 2003-04. In 2006-07 Milind bagged the triple crown in the inter Ministry tournaments, apart from two runners up positions. He has also been playing in the veterans circuit and represented India in the 55+ category in World senior Badminton championship held at Sweden in 2015 and has also been part of the state team at the veterans nationals since 2011.Milind has been conferred with Shivratna Puraskar, when he was specially felicitated by late Deputy CM R.R.Patil. Recently, he also received Khel Seva Award for his services to sports , during the launch of Sportsnasha website.
Milind is also giving something back to the game, by conducting summer and Diwali vacation camps for Badminton at Mahila Sangh , Vile Parle. And, that’s a big contribution to sports.