Lakshya Sen has made history by becoming the first Indian man to reach the semi-final stage in Olympic men’s singles badminton. The 22-year-old shuttler achieved this feat at the Paris Games with a sensational comeback victory over 12th seed Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan.
𝐒𝐞𝐧i-final calling! 🏸 🇮🇳#Paris2024
— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) August 2, 2024
Match Highlights
- Opponent: Chou Tien Chen (Taiwan, 12th seed)
- Score: 19-21, 21-15, 21-12
- Match Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Key Moments
- First Game: Lakshya lost 19-21.
- Second Game: Bounced back to win 21-15.
- Third Game: Dominated to secure a 21-12 victory.
Performance Overview
| Stage | Result |
|---|---|
| Round of 16 | Win over HS Prannoy |
| Quarter-Final | Win over Chou Tien Chen |
Context and Significance
- Historic Achievement: Lakshya is the first Indian man to reach the Olympic semi-finals in men’s singles badminton.
- Upcoming Match: One win away from securing a medal in his debut Olympic appearance.
- Other Indian Players:
- Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lost in men’s doubles quarter-final.
- PV Sindhu was eliminated in women’s singles Round of 16.
Lakshya’s Journey
Lakshya faced a tough challenge against the aggressive Chou Tien Chen but displayed resilience and skill. After losing the first game, he remained composed and used his fresh energy from a straight-game win over HS Prannoy in the previous round to outlast Chou in the next two games. This victory marks only his second win in five meetings against the Taiwanese player.
Crowd and Atmosphere
The Paris crowd was electrified by the long rallies and intense gameplay. The arena, which had just witnessed the mixed doubles medal matches, was filled with excitement as Lakshya secured his historic win.
Summary: Lakshya Sen’s achievement at the Paris Olympics marks a significant milestone for Indian badminton. His determination and skill have brought him one step closer to an Olympic medal, inspiring hope and pride among Indian fans