Paris Olympics 2024: Lakshya Sen focused on topping his group in the biggest tournament of his life

Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen will be making his Olympic debut in Paris.

Lakshya Sen, the rising star of Indian badminton, is gearing up for his Olympic debut at Paris Olympics. The 22-year-old World No. #18 shuttler, who burst onto the scene with a bronze at the 2021 World Championships, has overcome recent form dips and health issues to secure his Olympic qualification.

In a virtual media interaction arranged by Baseline Ventures, Sen shared insights into his preparation, draw, and expectations for the Games.

Current status and preparation

Sen is trained in Marseille, France, before travelling to the Olympic Village on July 22. He chose Marseille for its proximity to Paris and the opportunity to train with the Popov brothers, who serve as valuable sparring partners. The coastal location also helped Sen acclimate to slower shuttle speeds, similar to what he expects in Paris.

“We have a good team of 10 members,” the 22-year-old explained, detailing his support staff which includes his brother Chirag Sen, fellow players Kiran George and Ayush Shetty, along with physiotherapist Satej, strength and conditioning coach Gaurav, and Korean coach Yoo Yong Sung.

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024 Badminton Draw: Full list of groups

Olympic draw and strategy

Unseeded in the tournament, Sen faces a challenging draw in Group L, which includes third-seeded Indonesian Jonatan Christie. Despite the tough grouping, the Indian remains focused and optimistic.

“I’m thinking about the first match. I eventually want to be the winner in Group L,” Sen stated. “I’ll take it one match at a time.”

When asked about his strategy against Christie, Sen emphasized the importance of analyzing their recent close matches and focusing on his strengths.

Experience and expectations

While this is Sen’s Olympic debut, he draws confidence from his experiences at the Commonwealth and Asian Games. He acknowledges the higher level of competition at the Olympics but feels prepared for the challenge.

“This is the biggest tournament in my life,” Sen admitted. “Everyone will try to bring their A-game. I am also preparing in the same way.”

Sen also expressed appreciation for the experienced members of the Indian badminton contingent, whom he can turn to for advice and support.

Also Read: Badminton Indonesia complains regarding Jonatan Christie’s tough schedule to BWF

Comprehensive training approach

His preparation has been holistic, focusing on all aspects of his game. “We focused on improving all aspects of my game,” Sen explained. “I worked on all aspects of my game in the last 6-7 weeks, from defence to attack. I did give extra time to the aspects of my game which I am not good at.”

The addition of Korean coach Yoo Yong Sung has been particularly beneficial. “He brings a lot of intensity to the court,” Sen praised. “He has a lot of experience at the Olympics: he has bagged two silvers. There are a lot of things to learn from him. The way he tactically analyses other opponents is helpful.”

Team India’s prospects

When asked about India’s overall Olympic prospects, Sen expressed optimism. “We have a really strong contingent,” he stated. “In badminton, all those who are participating have a fair chance of winning a medal. As a country, we can expect more medals.”

However, true to his focused approach, Sen is not looking too far ahead. When questioned about a potential clash with compatriot HS Prannoy in the knockouts, he responded, “As of now, I don’t want to think too far ahead. There could be a potential pre-quarterfinal clash between us, as per the draws. But there is a lot of work to do before that. I am currently focused on topping the group.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram