New Delhi: Prakash Padukone is extremely happy with the way badminton is gaining popularity in India, but feels harder work is needed to progress further.

On Monday, when the legendary shuttler was conferred with the lifetime achievement award by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) with Venkaiah Naidu, the vice-president of the country, attending the function as the chief guest, Padukone said: "It is not the time to sit on laurels. We must work harder."

The first Indian to win the prestigious All England championship in 1980, the star from Bangalore said: "There is always scope for improvement. BAI, along with the state associations, need to work in a proactive manner to encourage the abundance of talent that is available, especially in smaller towns and cities."

Padukone, who had Indonesian great Rudy Hartono as his role model during his playing days, said: "If appropriate systems are put in place, India can be on par with other leading badminton nations like China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and Korea.

"However, if we do not achieve this, it will not be due to lack of talent in the country. It will be due to other reasons. I hope BAI will keep this in mind while charting the future course of the game."

Padukone, who had also won the Danish Open and Swedish Open in 1980, said it is important to set up academies and appoint the right coaches and recognise their effort.

Padukone said the game has great future in India. "Today badminton is the second most popular game in India after cricket.

"What is needed now is to set up at least one academy in every zone of the country," he said.. It should be funded either by the ministry (sports) or the BAI," said Padukone. "When I started playing badminton, I played only for the love of the game. I was not looking for any reward or award. I played only for my own satisfaction... It was a challenge to myself. Circumstances were different then, there was no facility available. But it did not stop us from playing," Padukone said.