The badminton Men’s Singles Round of 16 at the Paris Olympics featured one of the most thrilling matches of 2024, as 22-year-old Lakshay Sen faced off against his mentor and Olympic village roommate, HS Prannoy. In a remarkable pre-quarterfinal match, Sen secured a decisive victory with scores of 12-21, 6-21, keeping India’s hopes alive in badminton at the Games.
Lakshya Sen’s journey didn’t stop there. He made an impressive leap into the semifinals by defeating Taiwan’s World No. 12, Chou-Tien Chen, in a gripping match that ended 19-21, 21-15, 21-12. This victory further ignited hopes for another medal for India.
Lakshya Sen has emerged as one of India’s most promising badminton talents. Born on August 16, 2001, in Almora, Uttarakhand, his ascent in the badminton world is a testament to his dedication and exceptional skills. Sen’s international acclaim began with a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a silver at the 2022 Asian Games. His talent shone brightly again when he clinched a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships, firmly establishing him as a formidable player on the global stage.
A significant milestone in Sen’s career was his contribution to India’s historic victory in the 2022 Thomas Cup. His agility and skill were pivotal in the team’s success, demonstrating his consistent growth and performance as a player. Achieving a career-high ranking of No. 6 in the world, Lakshya’s journey is marked by impressive victories, including the 2022 India Open and the 2023 Canada Open.
The Olympics Journey
At the ongoing Paris Olympics, Lakshya Sen’s campaign began with a Group L men’s singles match against Julien Carraggi of Belgium. Sen showcased his prowess, securing a straight-sets victory, 21-19, 21-14, in just 43 minutes at the La Chapelle Arena. Despite an initial four-point deficit in the first game, Sen’s determination turned the match in his favour. He continued to dominate in the second game, outplaying Carraggi.
However, Sen’s path at the Olympics wasn’t without its challenges. His notable victory against Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon was marred by Cordon’s subsequent withdrawal due to a left elbow injury. This led to the cancellation of Cordon’s remaining Group L matches, and per BWF regulations, the result of the match between Sen and Cordon was expunged from the records.
Before Cordon’s withdrawal, Lakshya had delivered a stellar performance, defeating him 21-8, 22-20 in a 42-minute match. Sen dominated the first game, winning in just 14 minutes. The second game saw Cordon fight back, holding four game points, but Sen’s resilience shone through as he won six consecutive points to secure the game and the match.
Lakshya Sen’s journey at the Paris Olympics and his career achievements illustrate his remarkable talent and dedication. As he continues to rise in the badminton world, his performances are not only a source of pride for India but also a beacon of hope for the future of Indian badminton.
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Akanksha Sinha
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