Why Prakash Padukone Disagrees with Gopichand | Play More. Live More EP 3

In Episode 3 of the Play More. Live More podcast, badminton legend Prakash Padukone gets deeply candid about his journey, values, and the evolution of Indian sport. From his early life and rise to World No. 1, to his thoughts on hunger vs talent, parenting in sports, and why he disagrees with Gopichand on the “rich kids can’t be champions” debate — this episode is packed with rare insights and stories.

Prakash Padukone opens up about how he managed finances coming from a middle-class family, what it felt like to defeat his idol, and which players he considers the greatest of all time. He also dives into how badminton coaching has transformed over the decades, his take on Olympic pressure moments like Lakshya Sen’s semifinal, and his views on India’s sports federations, the 18 % GST on sports, and why the Premier Badminton League (PBL) stopped.

Parents will especially connect with his advice on balancing academics and sports—how to nurture ambition while ensuring stability. The conversation captures Padukone’s belief in discipline, patience, humility, and long-term vision as the cornerstones of success.

🎙️ Play More. Live More brings together legends who redefine what it means to play — and live — with purpose.

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00:00 – Prelude & Music
01:30 – Introduction
01:51 – Early Life: How Prakash Padukone Became World No. 1
09:35 – Managing Finances & Advice for Parents
20:35 – Defeating His Idol in the Finals
27:16 – The Greatest Badminton Players According to Padukone
30:16 – Hunger vs Talent
33:30 – Why Prakash Padukone Disagrees with Gopichand on Rich Kids & Success
38:39 – Advice to Parents: Balancing Academics and Sports
43:33 – How Badminton Coaching Has Evolved Over the Decades
48:29 – Olympic Semi-Finals: Lakshya Sen’s Moment & Padukone’s Thoughts
53:27 – Are We Over-Relying on a Few Players? What India Can Learn from China & Indonesia
58:53 – Padukone’s Take on Sports Federations in India
1:06:29 – The 18 % GST on Sports
1:09:04 – Why the Premier Badminton League (PBL) Stopped
1:12:58 – Conclusion