Lakshya Sen made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian man to reach the semi-finals in the men's singles badminton event. The 22-year-old shuttler showcased a phenomenal performance by defeating the higher-ranked Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan in a thrilling three-game match on Friday, August 2. This victory has brought immense pride to Indian badminton fans, with the packed arena in Paris buzzing with excitement.
Lakshya Sen's journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of spectacular. In his maiden Olympics appearance, he is now just one win away from securing a medal. This achievement is particularly significant as he remains the sole Indian shuttler in the fray at the Paris Games. Other top contenders like the men's doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were ousted in the quarter-finals, and two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu exited in the Round of 16 in women's singles.
In his quarter-final match, Lakshya Sen displayed exceptional resilience and skill. Despite losing the first game 19-21, he made a remarkable comeback to win the next two games 21-15 and 21-12, completing the match in an hour and 15 minutes. His ability to dig deep and maintain energy throughout the 75-minute contest was crucial, especially against the 12th-seeded Chou Tien Chen, who adopted an unusually aggressive strategy.
The match was a display of high-quality badminton with long rallies and intense exchanges. Both players exhibited their speed and reflexes, often recovering from diving retrievals to quickly move to the front court. The first game saw a neck-to-neck battle, with both players exchanging leads. Chou Tien Chen initially took the lead, but Lakshya's tactical adjustments allowed him to catch up. However, Chou managed to clinch the first game with a series of powerful smashes and quick net play.
Lakshya Sen's determination shone through in the second game. Despite a momentary dip in concentration due to a disagreement with the chair umpire over a review call, he regained his focus and dominated the latter half of the game, winning it 21-15. In the deciding game, Lakshya maintained his momentum, mixing aggression with strategic play to take a commanding lead and ultimately secure the victory 21-12.
As Lakshya celebrated his victory, he sent a clear message that he was aiming for Olympic glory. The Commonwealth Games gold medalist and former All-England finalist is now closer than ever to becoming the first Indian man to win an Olympic medal in badminton. He will face the winner of another quarter-final match between reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and Loh Kean Yew of Singapore.
Lakshya Sen's historic achievement has not only elevated his status but has also inspired countless aspiring badminton players in India. With his incredible performance, he has set a new benchmark for Indian badminton on the world stage. As the Paris Olympics progresses, all eyes will be on Lakshya Sen as he continues his quest for an Olympic medal, carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation.
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