Prakash Padukone has been hospitalised in Bangalore on Tuesday after testing positive for COVID-19.

“Around 10 days back, Prakash, his wife (Ujjala) and second daughter (Anisha), they developed symptoms and got themselves tested and the results came out to be positive,” Vimal Kumar, a close friend of the legendary shuttler and director at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA), told PTI.

“He is okay now. All his parameters are fine, his wife and daughter are at home and he too will be hopefully discharged in 2-3 days,” he added.

The 65-year-old has taken his first dose of the vaccine and he is currently awaiting the second.

Padukone, who became the first Indian to win the prestigious All England Championships title in 1980, is likely to be discharged later this week. The former world number one was also the first Indian to win a medal at the World Championships after clinching a bronze in 1983.

Following his retirement in 1991, Padukone served as the chairman of the Badminton Association of India (BAI). He was also the coach of the Indian team from 1993 to 1996.

(with PTI inputs)