Lakshya Sen’s back-to-back defeats haunting the shuttler

India has won three medals so far in the Paris Olympics 2024. The nation has been denied a sure medal after Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for being overweight by 100gm ahead of the final. It has been a shocker for the whole nation. The Hockey team also lost in the semi-final against Germany. Amidst all these Lakshya Sen who had a brilliant Olympics also failed. 

Sen faced defeat in the bronze medal match in badminton at the Paris Olympics. Lakshya was extremely disappointed after this defeat. The 22-year-old shuttler lost to Malaysia’s Lee Ji Jia. He expressed his disappointment after losing the game. He won the first game 21-13. Then Lakshya led 8-2 at one stage of the second game. However, the Malaysian made a strong comeback after leading 11-8 to win the second game 21-16. 

Li Jia then completely dominated the third and deciding game, winning 21-11. Giving no chance to the young Indian shuttler to win the set. With this victory, Li won the bronze medal. It has been a tough time for the nation and for him as well. His coach Prakash Padukone was not very impressed with his performance as he failed under pressure. 

Lakshya Sen failed under pressure

After the match, Lakshya Sen said, “It was difficult for us to respond to the shots of the Malaysian player. I started the match well but could not maintain the lead and then when he started playing well it was difficult for me to find answers to the rallies. Overall, the results were a bit disappointing.”

It was Lakshya’s second match in a row that he lost despite being in better form. Lakshya also lost three game points in the first game on Sunday and then lost the match after losing a 7-0 lead against Viktor Axelsen in the second game. He was challenged to become the first Indian male badminton player to win an Olympic medal and these two defeats would haunt him for a long time.

Sen said, “I don’t know. I don’t know how to compare the two. Both matches were really important and I don’t know. You need to be very strong mentally at such times. Credit must be given to him. He played well in the second half.”