Paris: Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen has scripted history at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 22-year-old shuttler became the first Indian man to reach the semi-final stage at the Olympics, achieving a remarkable come-from-behind victory over 12th seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei.
The packed badminton arena in the French capital witnessed a thrilling match as Lakshya, backed by a vociferous Indian crowd, showcased his grit and determination. He overcame a first-game defeat to beat Chou 19-21, 21-15, 21-12 in an hour and 15 minutes, moving just one win away from securing a medal in his maiden Olympics appearance.
Lakshya Sen is now the sole Indian shuttler remaining in contention at the Paris Games, carrying the hopes of Indian badminton on his young shoulders. His sensational display of skill and perseverance has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike.
From the outset, Lakshya and Chou engaged in long rallies, setting a high standard of play. The Paris crowd, still buzzing from the mixed doubles medal matches, where China’s Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong defeated Korea’s Kim Won Ho and Jeong Na Eun, was treated to another Olympic classic.
Both players demonstrated remarkable shot-making and retrievals, with neither willing to give an inch. The opening game saw a neck-and-neck battle until Chou took an 11-10 lead. The experienced Taiwanese shuttler, ten years Lakshya’s senior, showcased an aggressive gameplay that caught the Indian off guard.
Chou’s uncharacteristic aggression, marked by powerful smashes and swift net play, earned him a 14-9 lead. However, Lakshya responded by injecting pace into his game and focusing on precise placements, winning six consecutive points to lead 18-16. Despite this resurgence, Chou clinched the first game 21-19.
Lakshya faced further challenges in the second game, including a contentious call that saw him argue with the chair umpire. The incident appeared to disrupt his concentration momentarily, but with the guidance of coaches Prakash Padukone and Vimal Kumar, Lakshya regained his composure. He dominated the latter part of the game, winning 21-15 in just 17 minutes.
The decisive third game saw Lakshya in full control, leveraging his pace and tactical acumen to outmaneuver Chou. His 21-12 victory sealed a historic semi-final berth, much to the delight of the Indian supporters.
Lakshya’s triumph comes amid a mixed campaign for Indian badminton at the Paris Olympics. Gold medal contenders Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were knocked out in the men’s doubles quarter-final, while two-time medalist PV Sindhu exited in the women’s singles Round of 16.
As Lakshya prepares for his semi-final clash, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager for Olympic glory. His journey, marked by resilience and brilliance, continues to inspire and promise great things for the future of Indian badminton.
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