Manohar Godse — Six Decades of Delication to Badminton - Senior Sports Journalist, Suhas Joshi

Manohar Godse — Six Decades of Delication to Badminton - Senior Sports Journalist, Suhas Joshi

 

A player, a coach, an organiser—Manohar Godse has delicated his entire life to badminton. For more than six decades, he has served the sport with passion, sincerity and a spirit of devotion rarely seen today. For many, the names “Badminton” and “Manohar Godse” almost go hand in hand. Now in his 86th year, Godse is regarded as one of the true karmayogis of Indian badminton.

 

From a small village to the city—where badminton found him

Godse was born in Varsai, a small village near Pen in Raigad district. He studied there till Class 4, without any exposure to badminton. After his family moved to Mumbai, they settled in Lokmanya Nagar, Matunga. A simple mud court there became the turning point of his life. Young Manohar would pick up used shuttlecocks from senior players and practice with a table-tennis bat—what began as curiosity turned into a lifelong passion.

 

Six rupees seemed unaffordable—but his determination never wavered

He dreamt of joining the Central Railway Badminton Club, but even the ₹6 admission fee was a burden for the family. Still, he did not give up. After completing his matriculation (then S.S.C.), he began working at Premier Automobiles at the age of 19. This job gave his badminton career the push it needed. Though he started competitive badminton a little late, he went on to win numerous titles at district, state, national and all-India levels.

 

Represented India at the prestigious All England

Godse formed a strong doubles pair with Naresh Narvekar and excelled in several tournaments. He went on to represent India in the veteran category at the world-famous All England Championships. He also had the honour of partnering India’s legendary shuttler Nandu Natekar in doubles—a pinnacle moment of his playing career.

 

Coach at 35, founder at 56

Feeling deeply indebted to the sport, Godse turned to coaching at the age of 35. He trained many talented players, including former national champion Amol Shah and sports medicine expert Dr Anand Joshi.

 

In 1996, at 56, he established the Manora Badminton Academy to provide opportunities for young players. What began with age groups of 10 to 16 has now expanded into six competitive categories for players aged 9 to 17.

117 tournaments organised—creating a platform for hundreds

In 1997, only 52 players participated in the academy’s first tournament. Today, that number has crossed 500. Despite minimal financial support, Godse continued the initiative purely out of love for the sport, often spending from his own pocket. Even today, the membership fee remains just ₹51.

 

Support from major gymkhanas

Prestigious institutions such as NSCI, Matunga Gymkhana, CCI, Bombay Gymkhana, Willingdon and Khar Gymkhana frequently provided their courts free of cost, helping young players get a larger platform. Today, players from across Maharashtra participate in these tournaments.

 

Where champions took flight

Several acclaimed players—Jishnu Sanyal, Ajay Jayaram, Harshil Dani, Prajakta Sawant, Tanvi Lad, Aditi Mutatkar and many others—found encouragement and competitive exposure through the Manora tournaments.

 

Honoured by the greats of badminton

Legends like Prakash Padukone and Nandu Natekar recognised and appreciated Godse’s contribution to the sport. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Thane District Badminton Association. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the late Thane MP Prakash Paranjpe, and many sports organisations have also felicitated him for his remarkable service.

 

A humble personality, with youthful enthusiasm even today

Though he studied only up to S.S.C., Godse rose to the post of Accounts Officer at Premier Automobiles. Badminton gave him wide recognition and a large circle of friends. Throughout his journey, his wife Madhavi and son Jayant have been his constant source of support.

 

May the ‘Manora’ of badminton stand tall forever

Six decades of tireless service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment—Manohar Godse’s legacy in Indian badminton is truly unforgettable. His passion continues to inspire players, organisers and enthusiasts alike.

 

Sports lovers across the state extend heartfelt wishes that Godse’s “Manora” continues to rise even higher in the years to come.