Lakshya Sen: India’s Rising Badminton Star Shines at Paris Olympics

Lakshya Sen, the 23-year-old from Almora, Uttarakhand, has stormed into the pre-quarterfinals of the men’s singles badminton event at the Paris Olympics, setting the stage for a potential deep run in the tournament.

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Sen’s journey to the pre-quarters has been nothing short of spectacular. Pitted in a formidable group, he displayed remarkable composure and skill to overcome stiff challenges. An initial victory against Kevin Cordon, although later nullified due to the opponent’s injury, set the tone for his campaign. Subsequent wins over Julien Carraggi and the formidable Jonatan Christie, the reigning All England champion, underscored Sen’s prowess and cemented his status as a serious medal contender.

The triumph over Christie was particularly noteworthy, sending shockwaves through the badminton world. The Indian shuttler’s precision, power, and mental fortitude were on full display as he dismantled the Asian Games gold medalist in straight games. This victory not only propelled Sen into the Round of 16 but also marked a significant milestone for Indian badminton. However, as he became the first male singles player to reach the Olympic knockout stage since Kidambi Srikkanth in 2016.

Journey from Almora to the World Court

Sen’s journey to the pinnacle of badminton has been nothing short of meteoric. A product of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, he exhibited exceptional talent from a young age. A former world junior number one, Sen boasts an impressive resume that includes gold medals at the Asian Junior Championships and the Summer Youth Olympics. His bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships and runner-up finish at the 2022. All England Open further solidified his position as one of the sport’s rising stars.

The young Indian has continued to climb the rankings. Besides, winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022 and clinching his first Super 500 title. At the India Open by defeating reigning world champion Loh Kean Yew. His consistent performances and ability to rise to the occasion have made him a force to be reckoned with on the international circuit.

As Sen progresses through the Paris Olympics, the nation will be eagerly watching his every move. With his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the backing of a billion-plus fans. Moreover, he has the potential to script a historic chapter in Indian badminton.

Will Lakshya Sen continue his winning streak and bring home an Olympic medal? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: he has captured the imagination of the nation and is poised to leave an enduring legacy in the sport.