Aparna Popat Biography

Aparna Popat, also known as Aparna Popat Ved, is a renowned badminton player who made her mark in the international arena. Born on January 18, 1978, her career spanned from 1989 to 2006, during which she showcased her prowess with her right-handed technique.

Aparna Popat Height, Age, Family, Biography, & More

Popat gained recognition early in her career, debuting at the World Junior Badminton Championship in 1996. Under the guidance of her coach, Anil Pradhan, she honed her skills and became a formidable force in the sport. With her dedication and talent, Aparna Lalji Popat continues to inspire aspiring athletes and badminton enthusiasts worldwide.

Early Life

In her early life, Aparna Popat, born on January 18, 1978, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, exhibited a natural talent for badminton. Raised in Mumbai, she honed her skills while attending J. B. Petit High School. Her passion for the sport led her to pursue further education, completing a pre-university course at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, followed by a B.Com degree from the University of Mumbai. This formative period laid the foundation for her illustrious badminton career, propelling her towards national and international recognition in the sporting arena.

Education

Aparna Popat hails from Mumbai, Maharashtra, where she received her early education at J. B. Petit High School. She pursued her higher studies, completing a pre-university course at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, followed by a B.Com degree from the University of Mumbai. Additionally, she obtained an MBA from Sikkim Manipal University through distance education, solidifying her academic journey.

Age

Aparna Popat, born on January 18, 1978, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a celebrated badminton player representing Indian nationality. As of 2024, she is 46 years old, with her zodiac sign being Capricorn.

Physical Stats

Aparna Popat stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, with captivating black eyes and dark brown hair.

Husband and Daughter

Aparna Popat tied the knot with Rajeev Ved in the year 2011. The couple welcomed a daughter into their family, marking a significant milestone in their journey together.

Family

Aparna Popat’s father is Lalji Popat, and her mother is Heena Popat. She has an elder sister. A photo of Aparna Popat’s mother, Heena Popat, along with her sister, is included in the parents’ section.

Aparna Popat with her Mother Heena Popat

Career

Aparna Popat is a revered name in Indian badminton, marking her legacy as one of the country’s most accomplished players. Her illustrious career spans from 1989 to 2006, during which she showcased her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

Popat represented India on numerous international platforms, earning accolades and admiration for her skillful performances. With her dynamic playing style and unwavering determination, she became a role model for aspiring athletes. Beyond her on-court achievements, Popat continues to contribute to the sport’s growth, inspiring future generations with her remarkable journey and enduring passion for badminton.

Net Worth

Aparna Popat earns approximately Rs. 34 lakh per annum in her role as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Zomato. However, specific details about her net worth are not publicly known.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Aparna Popat

• Aparna started playing badminton at the age of 8 in the Cricket Club of India.
• When Aparna’s coach Anil Pradhan saw her in training, he asked her parents to let him train her in Badminton. He said, “Give me this girl and I will put her on the map of Indian badminton.”
• Aparna was interested in playing Tennis before coming into badminton.
• At 11, Aparna won the National Under-12 Badminton Championship held at Bangalore in 1989.
• Aparna represented India at the World Junior Championship when she was in the 9th standard.
• Aparna won her first Senior National title in 1997 at Hyderabad, defeating the defending champion Manjusha in straight games.
• In 1994, after completing the 10th standard, Aparna moved to Bangalore at Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy and trained there for the next six years.
• At 16, she was given a scholarship by Air India, later, she played for the Indian Oil when she turned 18.
• Arpana won the National title nine times in a row from 1997 to 2006, equalling the record of her mentor Prakash Padukone. She also broke the record of Madhumita Bisht, who won the National Senior Championship title consecutively seven times from 1984 to 1990. Arpana remained undefeated in the national championships till her retirement.
• Aparna was the only Indian among the 17 participants from around the globe selected for the Global Sports Mentoring Programme, an initiative promoted by then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and ESPN to empower women and girls through sport.
• Aparna was a vegetarian but had to switch to a non-vegetarian diet for sporting reasons.
• In her badminton career, Aparna has participated in 2 Olympic Games tournaments, 1 Asian Games tournament, won a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in 1996 and 4 medals in 3 Commonwealth Games matches.
• At the Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, she got a chance to meet Queen Elizabeth II.

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