Lakshya Sen has etched his name into the annals of Indian sports history by entering uncharted territory with a triumphant quarterfinal victory over Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the men’s singles badminton event at the Paris Olympics. With this monumental win, Sen has become the first Indian male shuttler to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Olympic Games, a feat that has eluded many before him.
Lakshya’s journey in the Paris Olympics has been characterized by sheer determination and an unyielding spirit. His victory against Chou Tien Chen was a testament to his resilience. After a closely contested first game which ended 19-21 in favor of the Chinese Taipei shuttler, the 22-year-old Indian displayed exceptional mental fortitude and bounced back with remarkable vigor. Lakshya dominated the ensuing games, winning 21-15 and 21-12, thus securing his place in the semifinal round.
Standing between Lakshya and an Olympic final berth is none other than Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, the reigning Olympic champion and a formidable force in the world of badminton. Axelsen’s journey in the tournament so far has been nothing short of dominant. He dispatched Prince Dahal of Nepal with a commanding 21-8, 21-6 victory, marking the beginning of his Paris campaign.
Axelsen’s subsequent matches further underscored his dominance on the court. He defeated Israel’s Misha Zilberman 21-9, 21-11 and continued his ruthless march by outclassing Nhat Nguyen of Ireland with a 21-13, 21-10 victory, securing his spot in the round of 16 effortlessly. Due to his seeding, Axelsen was granted a bye in the round of 16, laying the groundwork for his quarterfinal clash against Loh Kean Yew of Singapore.
The quarterfinal match against Loh, a former world champion, was expected to be a true test of Axelsen’s mettle. However, the Danish shuttler proved his supremacy once again, cruising to victory with a 21-9, 21-17 scoreline. Although the second game was more closely contested than the first, Axelsen remained in control, showcasing why he is the Tokyo gold medallist and a two-time BWF World Badminton Championship gold medallist.
.
As the formidable duo prepares to face each other in the semifinals, the head-to-head record between Axelsen and Lakshya Sen paints a daunting picture for the Indian shuttler. Viktor Axelsen holds a significant psychological edge with seven wins out of their eight encounters. Lakshya’s solitary victory over Axelsen came on March 12, 2022, at the German Open. This past meeting will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope for Lakshya as he gears up for what is arguably the most crucial match of his career thus far.
Each match in the Olympics carries its own set of challenges and pressures, and the upcoming semifinal is no different. Lakshya Sen must channel every bit of his skill and experience to overcome the seasoned Axelsen. The Indian shuttler has demonstrated commendable improvement and tenacity throughout the tournament, qualities that will be vital when facing a player of Axelsen’s calibre.
Winning against Axelsen would not only mark a personal achievement for Lakshya but also a historic moment for India in the realm of badminton. The anticipation surrounding this match is palpable, with fans and analysts eagerly waiting to see if Lakshya can replicate his past success against Axelsen on one of the grandest stages in sports.
In conclusion, the stage is set for an exhilarating semifinal showdown between Lakshya Sen and Viktor Axelsen at the Paris Olympics. While Axelsen’s impressive track record and current form make him the favorite, Lakshya’s unexpected journey so far and his resilience add an element of unpredictability to the contest. The outcome of this match will not only determine who moves forward to the final but also contribute a significant chapter to Olympic badminton history. Regardless of the result, Lakshya Sen’s performance at the Paris Olympics has already cemented his status as a pioneering figure in Indian badminton. The world now watches in anticipation, as Lakshya aims to overcome the reigning champion and continue his extraordinary run.
