Lakshya Sen, the rising star of Indian badminton, emerged victorious in his singles round of 16 match against his compatriot, HS Prannoy, at the Paris Olympics. Despite the emotional challenge of playing against a teammate and roommate, Sen showcased his talent with a decisive 12-21 6-21 win. This victory solidified Sen’s position as a promising player in the badminton world, as he outplayed Prannoy, who ranks higher in the world standings.
India’s love for cricket has not overshadowed the growing popularity of badminton, thanks to players like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, who have brought home Olympic medals. However, Sindhu’s bid for a third consecutive Olympic medal came to an end with a defeat against China’s He Bingjiao. Despite the setback, Sindhu expressed her support for Sen, urging him to give his best in the competition.
Sen, the last Indian player remaining in the Olympics, is now gearing up to face Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen, a former world number two player who has made a remarkable comeback from battling cancer. With impressive performances so far in Paris, Chou Tien Chen poses a tough challenge for Sen, who will need to bring his A-game to secure a spot in the next round.
In a display of sportsmanship, both Sen and Prannoy acknowledged the emotional and mental challenges of playing against each other on a global stage. Prannoy admitted that it was tough to compete against a friend and roommate, especially when the support and camaraderie off the court transition to a competitive match on the court. Despite his own disappointment, Prannoy acknowledged Sen’s confidence and solid gameplay in their match.
The Indian contingent in Paris faced disappointments as Chirag Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Tanisha Crasto, and Ashwini Ponnappa were eliminated from the competition. With Sen as the sole survivor, Indian fans are eagerly anticipating his match against Chou Tien Chen. Sen’s remarkable journey at the Olympics has brought attention to the growing talent and potential in Indian badminton, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the upcoming matches. Sen’s determination and skill on the court have captured the hearts of fans and cemented his status as a future star in the sport.
