Though the Paris Olympics didn’t bring him a medal, Lakshya Sen’s journey left an indelible mark. The 22-year-old Indian shuttler etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian male badminton player to reach the semifinals of the Olympics.
Despite his valiant effort, he narrowly missed out on a bronze medal, falling short to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in a thrilling three-game encounter.
How old is Lakshya Sen?
22
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A Journey of Determination: Unforgettable Run
Lakshya Sen’s path to the brink of a medal was paved with determination and exceptional skill. He displayed nerves of steel throughout the tournament, overcoming challenges at every stage. In the quarterfinals, he staged a thrilling comeback against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen, a testament to his fighting spirit. This victory was especially sweet following an emotional win over compatriot HS Prannoy in the earlier rounds.
Lakshya Sen’s Glimpse of Future Glory
While the defeat in the bronze medal match was a heartbreaker, experts and fellow competitors acknowledged Sen’s immense talent.
Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, who defeated Sen in the semifinals, even hailed him as a potential favorite for the gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The recognition from such a renowned player underscores the promise Sen holds for future tournaments.
Legacy of Achievements
Lakshya Sen’s Olympic journey was just one chapter in a burgeoning career already brimming with accomplishments. He boasts a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships, a gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and a pivotal role in India’s historic Thomas Cup triumph in 2022. His accolades reflect a steady rise in the badminton world, with numerous junior and senior-level titles under his belt.
Junior Level
- Bronze medal at the 2016 Asian Junior Championships (Boys’ singles)
- Gold medal at the 2018 Asian Junior Championships (Boys’ singles)
- Gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games
- Silver medal in the boys’ singles event at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games
Senior Level
- Bronze medal at the 2020 Asia Team Championships (Men’s team)
- Bronze medal at the 2021 BWF World Championships (Men’s singles)
- Gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games (Men’s singles)
- Silver medal in the mixed team event at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games
- Gold medal with the Indian team at the 2022 Thomas Cup
- Bronze medal in the Asia Mixed Team Championships (Mixed team)
- India Open champion in 2022 (Men’s singles)
- Canada Open champion in 2023 (Men’s singles)
Turning Point for Indian Badminton
While India’s streak of badminton medals at the Olympics dating back to 2012 ended with Sen’s defeat, his performance has ignited a renewed sense of optimism for the future of the sport in the country. Sen’s remarkable run serves as an inspiration to aspiring badminton players across India, paving the way for a new generation of champions. His journey has not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the depth of potential within Indian badminton.
Prakash Padukone’s Disappointment Over India’s Performance in Paris
Badminton legend Prakash Padukone expressed his disappointment over India’s performance in badminton at the Paris Olympics following Lakshya Sen’s loss in the men’s singles bronze medal match on Monday, August 5. Padukone highlighted that every requirement of Indian athletes was fulfilled in preparation for the Olympics, and he had anticipated a better performance, particularly from the badminton team.
This marks the first time since 2008 that Indian shuttlers failed to secure a medal at the Olympics. Saina Nehwal won India’s first badminton medal, a bronze in women’s singles, at the 2012 Olympics. PV Sindhu then clinched a silver at the Rio Olympics and a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics.
“We were contenders for 3 medals. So, at least, one I would have been happy. I am personally disappointed. But, having said that, this time, the government, the SAI and the foundations, the TOPs, everybody have done their bit. So, I have nothing against it… I don’t think anybody could have done anything more than what the government has done, the Sports Ministry, TOPs has done. It’s high time the players also need to take some responsibility.”
“All these years we could say there were not enough facilities or encouragement. But, I think this time, it’s only better. Especially, the top 30 players, I am not just talking about badminton. Across all sports, the top 30-40 who had chances of winning medals, were given whatever they wanted. Sometimes, even if they were unreasonable demands, they have been met,” he added.
Prakash Padukone clarified that no injury concerns affected the outcome of Lakshya Sen’s bronze medal match against Lee. Despite requiring medical attention three times during the match due to bleeding from his elbow, Lakshya’s performance remained unaffected by any injury.
“No, I don’t think so. There was no injury at all. That’s his way of… he keeps falling. It’s becoming a habit with him now, to dive and retrieve. Few areas, we need to work on. While we are happy with his performance, I am a little disappointed that we couldn’t get one medal from badminton,” Padukone said.
