Lakshya Sen has made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian man to reach the semi-finals in the men’s singles badminton event. The 22-year-old shuttler achieved this remarkable feat after a thrilling comeback victory against the 12th seed, Chou Tien Chen from Taiwan. Sen’s victory, which came with scores of 19-21, 21-15, 21-12, was celebrated by the packed Indian crowd in the French capital.
This historic achievement places Lakshya Sen just one win away from securing a medal in his Olympic debut. As the sole remaining Indian player in the badminton competition, he carries the hopes of the entire nation. His compatriots, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, had been knocked out in the men’s doubles quarter-finals, while two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu was eliminated in the Round of 16 in the women’s singles.
Sen’s match against Chou was a gripping display of high-quality badminton. Despite losing the first game, Sen showcased his resilience and tactical brilliance to turn the match around. The encounter was marked by intense rallies and impressive shot-making, with both players demonstrating their skill and endurance.
In the opening game, Chou Tien Chen took an early lead, leveraging his aggressive play to put pressure on Sen. Chou, known for his defensive style and long rallies, adopted a more attacking approach in this match. His strategy paid off as he secured the first game 21-19.
Lakshya Sen faced a challenging situation, particularly when a disagreement with the chair umpire momentarily affected his focus. Despite this setback, Sen’s composure was remarkable. After arguing over a wide call, he continued to play with determination, eventually taking control in the second game and winning it 21-15.
The final game saw Sen’s relentless energy and strategic play shine through as he secured a decisive 21-12 victory. The Indian shuttler’s ability to adapt and recover from the initial setback was crucial to his success.
Lakshya Sen’s performance at the Paris Olympics is a testament to his skill and dedication. His journey to the semi-finals not only marks a personal milestone but also represents a significant moment in Indian sports history.
With one more match standing between him and a medal, the nation eagerly awaits to see if Sen can continue his remarkable run and bring home an Olympic medal.
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