Lakshya Sen Battles Viktor Axelsen in Paris Olympics Badminton Semifinals
Paris, France – August 4: Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen faced a tough match against reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in the semifinals of the men’s singles at the Paris Olympics. Despite a strong start, Lakshya lost to Viktor with scores of 20-22 and 14-21.
Match Highlights
After the match, Lakshya reflected on his performance, saying, “I think as the game was going on from the start and in the first set especially, he started attacking more towards the end, so I think became passive when I was defending, and I think at that time I should have taken chances and attacked.”
Currently ranked world number 22, Lakshya admitted he was heartbroken but is looking forward to his bronze medal match. He said, “It is a heartbreak but I think again at the same time there is so much more to play for tomorrow and I will be ready and prepared.”
Viktor Axelsen’s Praise
Viktor Axelsen praised Lakshya, saying, “Lakshya is an amazing player. He has shown in this Olympics that he is a very, very strong competitor and I am sure in four years from now, he will be one of the favourites to win the gold.”
Axelsen also mentioned that Lakshya gave him his toughest match of the Olympics so far, highlighting the importance of experience in the game.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, Lakshya is still in the hunt for a medal and will play for the bronze against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia. Meanwhile, Viktor Axelsen will defend his Olympic gold medal against Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
Previous Encounters
Axelsen now leads their head-to-head record 8-1. Lakshya’s sole victory came in the 2022 German Open semifinals. Before reaching the semifinals, Lakshya defeated Chou Tien-Chen of Chinese Taipei with scores of 19-21, 21-15, and 21-12.
Doubts Revealed
Lakshya Sen -: Lakshya Sen is an Indian badminton player who is very good at playing badminton. He represents India in international competitions.
Viktor Axelsen -: Viktor Axelsen is a badminton player from Denmark. He is very famous and has won many important matches, including the Olympics.
Paris Olympics -: The Paris Olympics is a big sports event happening in Paris, France, where athletes from all over the world compete in different sports.
Badminton Semifinals -: The semifinals in badminton are the matches that decide which players will go to the final round. It’s like the second last step to winning the tournament.
Shuttler -: A shuttler is a person who plays badminton. The name comes from the shuttlecock, which is the object they hit back and forth.
Men’s Singles -: Men’s singles is a type of badminton match where one man plays against another man, instead of playing in teams.
Bronze Medal -: A bronze medal is a prize given to the person who comes third in a competition. It is made of bronze, which is a type of metal.
Lee Zii Jia -: Lee Zii Jia is a badminton player from Malaysia. He is also very good and competes in international tournaments.
