Paris.04.07.2024: India’s Lakshya Sen is poised to take on his toughest challenge yet as he faces reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in the men’s singles semifinals at the Paris Games this Sunday. With a gold medal in sight, Sen will need to summon all his skills to keep his dream alive.
Making his Olympic debut, Lakshya Sen created history on Friday, becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semifinals of the prestigious event. Sen’s thrilling 19-21, 21-15, 21-12 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen in the quarterfinals not only showcased his resilience but also marked a significant milestone in Indian badminton.
Standing in Sen’s way to the final is the formidable Viktor Axelsen, the 30-year-old Danish superstar who has been a dominant force in world badminton. Axelsen, who has a gold medal from Tokyo and a bronze from Rio, has consistently been a tough competitor, boasting two world championship titles (2017 and 2022), a Thomas Cup win in 2016, and a lengthy reign as the world No. 1 from December 2021 to June 2024.
Lakshya Sen has faced Axelsen eight times before, with the Danish ace emerging victorious on seven occasions. However, Sen’s sole victory over Axelsen came at the 2022 German Open, proving that he has the potential to upset the odds. The 22-year-old has already defeated world No. 4 Jonatan Christie in the group stage and outlasted the No. 11-ranked Chou in the quarterfinals, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion.
Axelsen, on the other hand, has had a quieter season with only one title at the Malaysia Masters. The Danish shuttler also dealt with an ankle injury earlier in June during the Singapore Open, leading to his withdrawal from the Indonesia Open. Despite these setbacks, Axelsen remains a formidable opponent with his powerful smashes and all-rounded game, making him a tough hurdle for Sen to overcome.
Lakshya Sen, however, has looked fitter and sharper than ever. His solid defense, combined with his ability to play at a high pace and produce winners at crucial moments, has been key to his success so far. Sen’s confidence will be further bolstered by his recent performances, especially his victory over Chou in a grueling three-game battle on Friday.
As Sen prepares to face Axelsen, he will be motivated by the memories of past encounters, including the loss in the final of the All England Championships two years ago and the defeats in the 2021 BWF World Tour Finals. Now, on the world’s biggest stage, Sen will be eager to avenge those losses and make a strong bid for the gold.
A victory in the semifinals will keep Lakshya Sen on track for Indian badminton’s first Olympic gold. Even in the event of a loss, Sen will have a chance to compete for the bronze medal, ensuring that his Olympics journey will continue. “There’s a lot more work to do. Now, the real test starts,” Sen said after his quarterfinal victory, reflecting his focus and determination.
For Lakshya Sen, who wears the words “Sky is the limit” tattooed on his neck, only the gold medal will truly satisfy his hunger for success. As he steps onto the court on Sunday, the entire nation will be watching, hoping that Sen can achieve the ultimate dream and bring home Olympic glory.
