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Padukone's initial motivation didn't stem from the ambition to become a champion but from a pure love for the game. Playing alongside senior players, he learned through self-study, observation, and trial and error, as there were no books or videos to guide him. His early days were characterized by passion and a relentless drive to improve, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
Rise to National and International Stardom
Remarkably, Padukone's talent shone brightly early on. By age 12, he had won the Under-19 national title, and by 15, he secured the national senior title. At just 16, he achieved a historic feat by winning both the junior and senior national championships—a rare double that cemented his reputation as a rising star.