Well the IPL fever is undoubtedly caught the imagination of the entire country. But just thought of thinking beyond cricket and who know that 2008 may just go on to become the year of Indian Badminton. The dream seems to be realistic specially after meeting India's all time great Badminton player Prakash Padukone, who believes that this year in the Bejing Olympics, India might spring a surprise in form Anup Sridhar and Saina Nehwal. Well speaking about Prakash Padukone, he could well be regarded as the most unlucky Indian sportsperson. In Badminton he has won all, whether its the World Cup or the All England Championship and in the early eighties he was the man to beat in the badminton world. However he could not participate in the Olympics as Badminton became an Olympic sports only in 1992 at Barcelona. Who knows Prakash would have won the gold at Moscow (1980) or LA (1984). But he doesn't regret, but he feels that he would loved representing the country in the Worlds biggest Sporting extravaganza. But since 1992, India has represented in every Olympics, however the best ever result came only in 2000 when Pullela Gopichand reached the Round of 16. But no one ever came close to winning a medal. However this year could be different, both Anup Sridhar and Saina Nehwal are known to be world beaters and both of them have defeated top ranked players on their given day. So all eyes including that on Prakash Padukone will be on them and who know that they may turn 2008 as the year of Indian badminton.
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