Lakshya Sen’s agonizing defeat in the bronze medal match of the Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the nation. The young badminton sensation, who had been the sole torchbearer of India’s medal hopes after the early exits of PV Sindhu and the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, came tantalizingly close to breaking India’s 12-year Olympic medal drought.
Sen, the overwhelming favorite against his Malaysian opponent Lee Zii Jia, dominated the first game with a commanding 21-13 victory. However, a stunning turnaround by Lee in the second game, coupled with a decisive third game, shattered India’s dreams. The loss has left Sen inconsolable, as he grapples with the crushing weight of a missed opportunity to secure India’s first Olympic medal in badminton since 2012.
India’s Olympic campaign has now ended on a somber note, with the nation left to ponder what could have been. Lakshya Sen’s valiant effort, despite the heartbreaking outcome, has undoubtedly captured the hearts of millions and serves as a testament to his immense talent and potential.
Lakshya Sen in Quarter finals at Paris 2024 Olympics in Badminton
This victory is a historic moment for Indian badminton as Lakshya Sen becomes only the second Indian male shuttler to reach the quarterfinals of the Olympics. The first was Parupalli Kashyap who achieved this feat at the London Olympics in 2012. Sen’s achievement is a testament to the growing strength of Indian badminton on the world stage.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | HS Prannoy |
| Score | 21-12, 21-6 |
| Result | Lakshya Sen won |
| Historical Achievement | 2nd Indian in Men’s Singles to reach Quarterfinals at the Olympics |
| Previous Achiever | Parupalli Kashyap (London 2012) |
| Significance | Secured a spot in the semifinals |
| Event Highlight | Dominant performance and impressive play |
Lakshya Sen to Face HS Prannoy in Pre-Quarters at Paris 2024 Olympics in Badminton
Lakshya Sen to Face HS Prannoy in Pre-Quarters at Paris 2024 Olympics in Badminton-HS Prannoy has set up a thrilling encounter with fellow Indian Lakshya Sen in the round of 16 at the Paris Olympics.
Prannoy’s hard-fought victory over Vietnam’s Le Duc Phat ensures at least one Indian will progress to the quarterfinals. The showdown between Prannoy and Sen promises to be a battle of skill and strategy
Here is the table with the detailed information for both HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen:
| Attribute | HS Prannoy | Lakshya Sen |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Prannoy Haseena Sunil Kumar | Lakshya Sen |
| Date of Birth | 17 July 1992 | August 16, 2001 |
| Age | 32 | 22 |
| Place of Birth | Delhi, India | Almora, Uttarakhand, India |
| Residence | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India | Bangalore, India |
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) | 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches) |
| Weight | 73 kg (161 lb) | N/A |
| Handedness | Right | Right |
| Coach | Pullela Gopichand | U. Vimal Kumar |
| Career Record | 282 wins, 191 losses | N/A |
| Highest Ranking | 6 (29 August 2023) | N/A |
| Current Ranking | 13 (16 July 2024) | N/A |
| Education | Kendriya Vidyalaya Akkulam | N/A |
| Years Active | N/A | 2016–present |
Lakshya Sen Shocks World No 3 Jonatan Christie to enter round of 16 at Paris Olympics
Lakshya Sen’s Stunning Victory– Lakshya Sen has made headlines by defeating World No. 3, Jonatan Christie, to advance to the round of 16 at the Paris Olympics. In an impressive performance, Sen won the match in straight games with scores of 21-18 and 21-12. This is a significant achievement in Sen’s Olympic debut.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Lakshya’s career, as Christie was widely considered the favorite to progress to the next round. The Indonesian had a 4-1 head-to-head record against the Indian shuttler coming into the match. However, Sen displayed exceptional skill and determination to overcome this challenge.
Lakshya’s journey to this momentous win was marked by meticulous preparation. Aware of the close nature of their previous encounters, he carefully analyzed his past performances to identify areas for improvement. His strategic approach and unwavering focus were evident on the court as he outmaneuvered Christie in every aspect of the game.
Sen’s victory not only propels him into the round of 16 but also sends shockwaves through the badminton world. His exceptional performance has elevated his status as a rising star in the sport and has ignited hopes for an even stronger showing in the latter stages of the tournament.
Match Summary
| Player | Games | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lakshya Sen | 2 | 21-18, 21-12 |
| Jonatan Christie | 2 | 18-21, 12-21 |
Match Highlights
- Early Struggles: Sen started the match slowly but made a strong comeback. Once he found his rhythm, he dominated the game.
- Christie’s Performance: Despite a strong effort from Christie, Sen’s superb play secured his victory.
Background
Before this match, Lakshya Sen had only beaten Jonatan Christie once. Christie had a 4-1 head-to-head advantage over Sen. However, Sen’s preparation and strategy paid off. He knew he had to perform at his best to win. In his pre-match media interaction, Sen mentioned reviewing past encounters with Christie to improve his game.
Lakshya Sen’s win is considered one of the biggest of his career. He has defied expectations and showcased his skill and determination. This victory propels him into the round of 16, proving his readiness and capability on the Olympic stage.
NEXT EVENT
1st August, Thursday-Badminton – Men’s Singles Round of 16
Also read- Lakshya Sen Debut: Road to Paris 2024 Olympics in Badminton
2 thoughts on “Lakshya Sen: The Man Who Almost Was an Olympic Champion”