Meena : The Portly Star

National Badminton Champion for 7 years in a row ( 1959-65); three doubles and three mixed doubles titles; winner of an international mixed doubles event with Nandu Natekar in Thailand; represented the country at the All England Championships and Über Cup; recepient of the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.

This is the story of an amazing athlete, who ruled the badminton courts in the 60s, an athlete who brought laurels to her country and to her city Lucknow. This is the story of Meena Shah, a true sporting legend, who passed away into the ages, virtually unknown to the present generation and unnoticed by many, leaving behind a trail of successes to remember, to  cherish and to derive inspiration from.

Though Meena’s last few years were painful as she struggled with Spinal Canal Stenosis leaving her sick and bedridden, she had a great run as a badminton player. Meena was not the lean and lanky types as athletes are.  Infact  she was the portly types, a bit stout and heavy on her legs. However so gifted was she, that despite her heavy frame  she moved across the court with grace and effortless ease and along with her swift movements she had lot of power in her shots, which floored her opponents.

As stated by Nandu Natekar, with whom she won a mixed doubles event in Thailand, the Thai King who was present at the event was utterly surprised to see Meena moving swiftly on the court and was even more surprised when she won the Title. Meena worked much harder than her contemporaries to negate any sluggishness due to her frame and the extra effort which she put showed on the court. She was a Champion and all what she achieved was hard earned. After a nagging knee injury she bid adieu to the sport she loved and retired from active participation in 1968.

However in those days there were no cash rewards, sponsorships or endorsements for players. With financial backing that Shuttlers get and the popularity of the sport these days, Meena wished she had played the sport in today’s era. But as a true sportsperson she never complained and fought her battles bravely. The fearless Meena who drove her scooter with elan on the streets of Lucknow with her curly mane flowing in the wind, eventually succumbed to her illness on 10th of March 2015.

This  blog on Meena Shah, the great athlete, who defied the norms to become a Champion player, the famous  daughter of Lucknow, is an attempt to keep her and her achievements in our memories, so that the Portly Star keeps shining.