It's a fantastic achievement: Prakash

A jubiliant Prakash Padukone said Pulella Gopichand's victory at the All-England Badminton championship has proved that Indians can be world beaters and termed the occasion as a 'red lettered day' in Indian badminton.

"It's a fantastic achievement... a great day for Indian badminton... a red lettered day," Padukone told PTI in Bangalore after Gopichand became only the second Indian to win the men's singles title at the prestigious tournament when he defeated Chen Hong in straight games in the final.

"Gopichand has proved that Indians can be world beaters. He can go only higher from here. I hope he becomes the world number one," Padukone, who is the only other Indian to have won the crown when he triumphed in 1980, said.

Padukone was lavish in his praise for the new All-England champion.

"He played very consistently throughout the tournament beating world's top ranked players on his way."

"He has been very focussed and concentrated well. He has good deceptive shots and used the right tactics at crucial times," he said.

Padukone hoped the victory would give a big boost to the game in the country. He said the government had been very supportive in the promotion of the game but there had been lack of adequate private funds and sponsorships which, hopefully, would come after this historic win.