Deepika Padukone Launches Badminton School to Inspire Healthier Generation

Mumbai, June 10, 2025: Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, alongside her father, badminton legend Prakash Padukone, has unveiled the Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), a new initiative aimed at promoting the sport across India. Announced via Instagram on Tuesday, the venture seeks to make badminton accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, fostering physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Deepika, who founded the school, will be supported by her father, a former world No. 1 and All England Champion, serving as an advisor and mentor.

“As someone who grew up playing badminton, I’ve seen how transformative this sport can be,” Deepika shared in her Instagram post. “Through the Padukone School of Badminton, we aim to share the joy and discipline of badminton with everyone, building a healthier, more focused, and inspired generation.”
According to a press release, PSB plans to establish 75 grassroots coaching centers across 18 Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, and Surat, within its first year. The initiative emphasizes affordable, high-quality coaching, with a standardized methodology developed under Prakash Padukone’s guidance. The program will partner with schools, institutions, and existing venues to create these centers, which will feed into three high-performance training facilities in Bengaluru.

The school’s mission is to democratize access to badminton, offering opportunities for both children and working professionals. It also aims to train over 100 coaches through a structured certification program, ensuring consistent coaching quality and creating sustainable career paths for aspiring coaches. The initiative is designed to nurture talent and identify future champions, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities.
Deepika, a former national-level badminton player, competed at state and national tournaments during her school years before transitioning to a successful career in modeling and acting. Her father’s legacy, including his historic 1980 All England Championship win, has inspired the family’s commitment to the sport. Deepika is married to actor Ranveer Singh, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Dua, earlier this year.