Rare honour for Rajeev Bagga

Former national badminton champion Rajeev Bagga has been conferred the ‘Deaflypian of the Century’ title by the Deaflympics Committee, formerly known as the World Games of the Deaf, for his contribution to international badminton.

Bagga, who won the Arjuna award in 1993 and the Giants International award in 1990, made history by becoming the first deaf player to qualify for the All England Championships in 1990. He was ranked 36th in the world in 1992 and represented the country in the Thomas Cup, All England championships and a host of other international competitions.

He won the national singles title in 1992 and 1993 and doubles crown in 1998. He is ranked No. 1 in the world among the hearing impaired since 1989 and won 12 gold medals at the World Games.

Speaking at a felicitation function, organized by the Maharashtra Badminton Association, former international and MBA president Pradeep Gandhe lauded the commitment of Bagga, saying, "He has always shown nerves of steel on court."