India’s badminton hopes took a hit as Lakshya Sen was defeated by defending Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in the men’s singles semi-final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Sen, ranked 22nd globally, lost in straight games 22-20, 21-14 to Axelsen, the world No. 2, at La Chapelle Arena on Sunday. This result has secured Sen a chance to fight for the bronze medal, marking a significant moment in Indian badminton history.

A dramatic semi-final match

Lakshya Sen started strongly, gaining a 7-0 lead in the second game after a closely contested first game. Despite Sen’s early dominance, Viktor Axelsen turned the tide, eventually securing a place in his second consecutive Olympic final. The first game was a rollercoaster, with Sen initially taking control, only for Axelsen to stage a dramatic comeback. The Danish shuttler saved three game points and seized the first game with a 22-20 score.

In the second game, Sen’s early advantage evaporated as Axelsen leveraged his experience and skill to draw level and eventually win 21-14. The match demonstrated Axelsen’s prowess and strategic superiority, ultimately leading him to the gold medal match against world No. 8 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.

Sen’s journey to the semi-finals

Lakshya Sen’s performance in Paris has been noteworthy. His path to the semi-finals included a tough quarter-final match against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen, which he won in a three-game battle. Sen’s Olympic journey is historic for Indian badminton, as he became the first Indian men’s singles player to reach the semi-finals at the Summer Games. Prior to this, Indian shuttlers Parupalli Kashyap and Kidambi Srikanth had only reached the quarter-finals in London 2012 and Rio 2016, respectively.

Looking ahead: The bronze medal match

Lakshya Sen is set to face world No. 7 Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the bronze medal match on Monday. Sen has a 4-1 head-to-head record against Zii Jia, including a victory at the All England Open earlier this year. This match will be a critical test for Sen, as he aims to secure India’s first Olympic medal in men’s singles badminton.

Sen’s Olympic debut and notable victories

Sen’s Olympic debut has been impressive, having topped his men’s singles group by defeating reigning All England champion Jonatan Christie and overcoming his compatriot HS Prannoy in the round of 16. His performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics highlights his potential and establishes him as a formidable contender in the sport.

Lakshya Sen’s promising Olympic journey

Experts have praised Lakshya Sen’s performance throughout the Paris 2024 Olympics. His strategic play and resilience in reaching the semi-finals are seen as a significant achievement for Indian badminton. Despite the semi-final loss, Sen’s progress reflects a bright future for him and the sport in India.

Lakshya Sen’s Performance at Paris 2024 Olympics

What happened in the semi-final match between Lakshya Sen and Viktor Axelsen at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Lakshya Sen faced Viktor Axelsen in the men’s singles semi-final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, losing in straight games with scores of 22-20, 21-14. Despite a strong start, including a 7-0 lead in the second game, Sen was unable to maintain his momentum, allowing Axelsen to stage a comeback and secure his place in the finals.

How did Lakshya Sen perform leading up to the semi-finals?

Leading up to the semi-finals, Lakshya Sen had an impressive run, notably defeating Chou Tien-chen from Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals. His performance in Paris marked a historic moment for Indian badminton, as he became the first Indian men’s singles player to reach the semi-finals at the Olympics, surpassing previous achievements by Parupalli Kashyap and Kidambi Srikanth​.

Who will Lakshya Sen face in the bronze medal match?

Lakshya Sen is set to compete against Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the bronze medal match. Sen holds a favorable head-to-head record against Zii Jia, including a recent victory at the All England Open, which could provide a confidence boost going into the match​.

What were some key moments in the match between Sen and Axelsen?

Key moments in the semi-final included Sen’s early dominance in both games. In the first game, Sen led 20-17 but lost five consecutive points, allowing Axelsen to take the game 22-20. In the second game, despite a 7-0 start, Axelsen’s strategic play and powerful smashes enabled him to win 21-14, showcasing his ability to turn the tide even when behind​.

What is the significance of Lakshya Sen’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics for Indian badminton?

Lakshya Sen’s performance is historic for Indian badminton, marking him as the first Indian men’s singles player to reach the Olympic semi-finals. His achievements highlight the growing strength and potential of Indian badminton on the global stage. His upcoming bronze medal match presents an opportunity to secure India’s first Olympic medal in men’s singles badminton​.

  Chou Tien Chen, HS Prannoy, Jonatan Christie, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Lakshya Sen, Lee Zii Jia, Paris 2024, Viktor Axelsen