Pashupati Paneru

Pashupati Paneru (born 20 July 1982 in Dhangadhi, Kailali) is a retired Nepalese badminton player who featured in single and double events in National and the International tournaments. He won fourteen Singles, two Doubles and three Mixed Doubles National titles and finished as runner up in numerous other National finals. His record remains among the most successful in Nepal.

In his early years, Paneru showed interest in cricket and represented his home town at the Jay Trophy held in Bhairawa. However, he was encouraged to play badminton by his uncle, Umesh Bhandari despite his cricketing success.

Pashupati Paneru claimed bronze medals in the Ninth and 10th South Asian Games in team events. Paneru participated in six editions of the Asian Badminton Championship from 2002 to 2008. He represented Nepal in the Thomas Cup World Team Championship in 2001 and 2006. He won the New York Open, CT Open, Mid-Atlantic Open. His most notable achievement was representing Nepal in the 15th World Championships (Mixed Doubles) in 2006 in Spain.

He is the recipient of Gorkha Dakshyan Bahu 5th, awarded to individual with exceptional service to the country.

He is made memorable National badminton final performances. Most notably, he came out of a 3-year break to retain APF Krishna Mohan Memorial National Tournament in 2010.

He moved to the US in 2008. He is associated with Wellesley Maugus Club and the Boston Badminton Club.

Paneru announced his retirement on Jan 17, 2013.