Lakshya Sen’s Heartbreaking Loss
Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen experienced a crushing defeat in the bronze medal play-off at the Paris Olympic 2024 Match. Facing Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, Sen started strong but eventually lost in a three-game thriller, with scores of 13-21, 21-16, 21-11. The match lasted 71 minutes and saw Sen struggling to maintain his early momentum.
A Promising Start
Sen was unstoppable at the beginning. He dominated the first game, winning 21-13. His powerful smashes and strategic plays on Lee’s backhand gave him a solid advantage. Sen led 11-6 at the break in the first game, showing confidence and control.
The Turning Point
The second game began similarly, with Sen taking an 8-3 lead. However, a nine-point streak from Lee changed everything. Sen seemed to lose his rhythm and couldn’t regain his footing, losing the second game 21-16. Lee’s aggressive play and strategic shots turned the match in his favor.
Struggling with Injury
Throughout the match, Sen needed medical attention for an injured right arm. The injury required multiple bandage changes, causing several stoppages. “In between the points, there was blood on the floor, so they had to wipe it. Sometimes, I was losing the momentum of just having a break in the game and then coming again and trying to refocus on the match,” Sen explained.
The Final Game
The final game saw Lee continue his aggressive play. Sen struggled to match Lee’s pace and precision, ultimately losing 21-11. Lee’s powerful smashes and strategic placements left Sen unable to respond effectively.
Sen’s Reflection
After the match, a disappointed Sen said, “I had my chances in the second set and could have definitely done better. But credit to him, he played a really good game. I think at the moment I’m just not able to think right now.” Sen acknowledged the tough week he had and the building fatigue but maintained that he was ready to give his all.
A Disappointing Campaign for India
Sen’s loss marks the first time in 12 years that India will return from the Olympic 2024 Match without a badminton medal. Only Saina Nehwal (2012) and PV Sindhu (2016, 2021) have previously won Olympic medals for India in badminton. The men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also returned empty-handed, adding to the disappointment.
The Road Ahead
Despite the setback, Sen remains a key figure in Indian badminton. A member of the historic Thomas Cup-winning squad, Sen’s journey to becoming India’s first male shuttler to win an Olympic medal continues. His performance in Paris, though not yielding a medal, showcased his potential and determination.
Conclusion
Lakshya Sen’s loss at the Paris Olympic 2024 Match was a heartbreaking moment for Indian badminton fans. Starting strong but faltering due to an injury and Lee Zii Jia’s brilliant comeback, Sen missed out on an Olympic medal. This defeat, however, is a stepping stone for the young shuttler, who will undoubtedly bounce back stronger and aim for greater heights in future competitions. Stay updated with the latest Olympic 2024 News from IPL365.
