Paris 2024 Olympics: Everything You Need to Know About Lakshya Sen, Supported by OGO India

Lakshya Sen has cemented his place in Indian badminton history with remarkable achievements, the most recent being his historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. On Friday, Sen became the first-ever Indian men's singles badminton player to reach the semi-finals of the Olympics. His journey to this milestone was nothing short of spectacular, as he staged a thrilling comeback against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-Chen in the quarter-finals, winning 19-21, 21-15, 21-12.

Early Life and Training

Born on August 16, 2001, in Almora, Uttarakhand, Lakshya Sen showed promise from a young age. His potential was recognized early on, leading him to train at the prestigious Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in 2016.

Here, Sen honed his skills, setting the stage for an impressive career in the sport. His first breakthrough came in the junior badminton circuit, where he secured a bronze medal at the Junior Asia Championships in 2016, despite facing a tough opponent in China’s Sun Feixiang.

Rising Through the Ranks

Sen's journey was not without its challenges. In 2017, he faced several pre-quarterfinal exits, including at the Syed Modi International tournament and the Junior Asia Championships. Despite these setbacks, Sen's determination never wavered. He reached the quarter-finals of the Vietnam Open in 2017 but lost to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka. Naraoka would be a formidable opponent again later that year at the Junior World Championships.

However, 2021 marked a turning point in Sen's career. He won a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships, demonstrating his growing prowess on the international stage. Although he was defeated by fellow Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth in the semi-finals, Sen's performance was a sign of greater things to come.

Breakthrough Year and Achievements

The year 2022 was particularly significant for Lakshya Sen. He reached the final of the prestigious All England Open, one of the most coveted tournaments in badminton. Though he fell short against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, Sen's journey to the final garnered widespread attention and established him as one of the top players in the world.

That same year, Sen played a crucial role in India’s historic victory at the Thomas Cup, a prestigious team tournament in badminton. Alongside seasoned players like Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy, Sen helped secure India’s first-ever Thomas Cup title. His achievements continued to shine as well, with victories at the India Open in 2022 and the Canada Open in 2023.

Sen’s hard work and dedication paid off when he achieved a career-best ranking of World No. 6 in the BWF World Rankings in 2022. His list of accolades is extensive, including a gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in men’s singles, and multiple medals at the Youth Olympic Games, Asian Junior Championships, and the Asia Team Championships.

The Road Ahead

As Lakshya Sen prepares for the upcoming semi-finals at the Paris Olympics, the hopes of a nation rest on his shoulders. With his unwavering focus and the support of OGO India, Sen is poised to continue his ascent in the world of badminton. His journey from a young talent in Almora to a global badminton star is a testament to his resilience, skill, and determination.