Answer:

Introduction:
The Arjuna Award is a prestigious sports award in India that is given to recognize outstanding achievements in sports. It is presented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The award was instituted in 1961 and is named after Arjuna, a legendary archer from the Indian epic Mahabharata. This question specifically asks about the first person to win the Arjuna Award for badminton.

Explanation:
The correct answer to this question is option 'C', Prakash Padukone. Prakash Padukone is considered one of India's greatest badminton players and has made significant contributions to the sport. He was the first Indian to win the All England Open Badminton Championships in 1980, which is considered the most prestigious tournament in the sport.

Key Points:
- Prakash Padukone was born on June 10, 1955, in Karnataka, India.
- He started playing badminton at a young age and quickly rose to prominence in the sport.
- In 1971, he won the National Junior Badminton Championship, marking the beginning of his successful career.
- Padukone represented India in numerous international tournaments and brought many accolades to the country.
- In 1978, he won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in men's singles, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat.
- His most significant achievement came in 1980 when he won the All England Open Badminton Championships, defeating the reigning champion, Liem Swie King, in the final.
- This victory elevated Padukone's status in the badminton world and brought global recognition to Indian badminton.
- In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Prakash Padukone was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1972, becoming the first badminton player to receive this prestigious honor.
- He later went on to coach several Indian badminton players, including Pullela Gopichand, who himself became a renowned player and coach.

Conclusion:
Prakash Padukone's contribution to badminton in India is immense, and he is rightly recognized as one of the pioneers of the sport in the country. His achievements, including winning the All England Open Badminton Championships and receiving the Arjuna Award, have inspired generations of Indian badminton players.