Lakshya Sen's journey in badminton is nothing short of inspirational. With his recent historic gameplay at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he has etched his name into the records of Indian sports history. Here's a look at his incredible journey, from his early days to his remarkable performance on the global stage.
Early Beginnings and Rise
Lakshya Sen's badminton journey began at a young age, training at the renowned Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy. His talent was evident early on. By 2014, he won the Swiss Junior International, marking his entry into the world of competitive badminton.
The year 2016 was particularly noteworthy for Sen. He clinched a bronze medal at the Junior Asian Championship, showcasing his potential against top players like Sun Feixiang.
Despite a tough loss to Sun in the Junior World Championship pre-quarters, Sen's performance was promising. That year also saw him winning the men's singles title at the 2016 India International Series tournament, proving he could compete at higher levels.
Breaking Through to the Senior Circuit
Sen’s breakthrough came in 2017 when he became the number one junior singles player in the BWF World Junior rankings. Although his performance at the Junior Asian Championship and the Junior World Championship were challenging, losing to tough opponents like Lin Chun-yi and Kodai Naraoka, Sen's rise was undeniable.
In 2018, Sen continued to make waves. He defeated higher-ranked players like Cheam June Wei at the New Zealand Open and emerged as the champion at the Asian Junior Championships by overcoming the top-seeded Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Despite losing in the finals of the Summer Youth Olympics to Li Shifeng, Sen won a silver medal in boys' singles and gold in the mixed team event, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Rising to Prominence
The year 2019 was a turning point for Sen. He claimed victories at the Belgian International, Dutch Open, SaarLorLux Open, and Scottish Open, making a mark as a rising star in the badminton world. His performances in these tournaments demonstrated his growing skills and consistency.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed challenges. Despite being part of the Indian team that won bronze at the Badminton Asia Team Championships, the pandemic limited his participation in international tournaments.
Breaking Barriers and Achieving Greatness
Sen's resilience shone through in 2021 when he reached the semifinals of the World Championships, securing a bronze medal. The following year 2022 was a stellar one for him. He won the India Open, his first Super 500 title, and made it to the finals of the German Open and the All England Open. His victories with the Indian team in the Thomas Cup and his individual victories at the Commonwealth Games solidified his status as one of India’s top badminton players.
Ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, Viktor Axelsen invited Lakshya Sen to train together in Dubai. Their training was divided into two phases, starting with an eight-day session in Dubai. A second session was planned at the Malaysian Training Center in Kuala Lumpur. Axelsen had previously trained with Sen in Dubai in September 2021 and extended the invitation again to help both players prepare for the Super 1000 Indonesia Open in Jakarta.
The Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a historic moment for Lakshya Sen. He became the first Indian badminton player of the season to advance to the semifinals in the Men’s singles tournament. In a remarkable quarterfinal match, Sen, unseeded and facing the 12th-seeded Chou Tien-chen from Chinese Taipei, won with scores of 19-21, 21-15, 21-12.
Although he faced a tough challenge in the semifinals against Viktor Axelsen, the World No. 2 from Denmark, losing 20-22, 14-21, Sen’s achievement was monumental. His performance not only highlighted his skill but also his determination and perseverance.
During the bronze medal match, he lost to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia 21-13, 16-21, 10-21, thus finishing his campaign at the fourth position.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off the court, Lakshya Sen is known for his humble manner and dedication to the sport. His journey from a young player with potential to a global contender reflects his hard work and passion for badminton. As he continues to inspire many with his achievements, Sen's legacy is one of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers.
Lakshya Sen’s historic entry into the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. His journey is an inspiration for aspiring athletes and a proud moment for Indian sports. Wishing him continued success and many more milestones ahead