'Favourite to win gold' - Viktor Axelsen lauds Lakshya Sen after his 'toughest' match

In a gripping semi-final clash at the Paris Olympics 2024, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, the reigning Olympic champion, defeated India’s Lakshya Sen in straight games. Despite the loss, Axelsen heaped praise on the young Indian shuttler, predicting a bright future for him, including a potential gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

The match, which lasted 54 minutes, saw Axelsen coming from behind in both games to secure a 22-20, 21-14 victory. Lakshya, who displayed remarkable skill and determination, took early leads in both games, but Axelsen's experience and composure under pressure ultimately made the difference.

In the first game, Lakshya Sen surged ahead 15-9 and was just three points away from taking the game at 20-17. However, Axelsen capitalized on a series of unforced errors by the young Indian to snatch the game 22-20. The second game followed a similar pattern, with Lakshya racing to a 7-0 lead. But the Danish star mounted a spectacular comeback, winning 21 of the next 28 points to seal the match.

What did Axelsen say about Lakshya?

Reflecting on the match, Axelsen acknowledged that it was his toughest encounter at the Paris Olympics so far. "Definitely the toughest match for me in Paris so far," Axelsen remarked. He credited Lakshya for his strong start and noted how the pressure of the Olympics often tests a player’s mental fortitude. “Lakshya started so well, but I was able to relax in the 2nd game,” he said, highlighting how his experience played a crucial role in overcoming the challenge posed by the Indian.

Axelsen didn’t hold back in his admiration for Lakshya’s talent and potential. "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 stated.

Despite the defeat, Lakshya's performance drew attention to his growing stature in international badminton. Axelsen emphasized that the difference in the match was not purely about skill but also about handling pressure in critical moments, a skill that comes with experience.

"I think the experience made a difference today. I think Lakshya played better than I did in big parts of the game. So he could have won the match," Viktor Axelsen admitted, acknowledging how close the contest truly was.