WATCH: Lakshya Sen makes thrilling comeback against Tien Chen, storms into semifinals

Lakshya Sen has etched his name in the annals of Indian badminton history with a stunning quarter-final victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics. In a gripping three-game match against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-Chen, Sen displayed remarkable resilience and composure, becoming the first Indian male badminton player to advance this far in the Olympics.

His triumph is not just a personal milestone but a significant achievement for Indian badminton, as he is now just one win away from securing a medal. The match itself was a testament to Sen’s mental fortitude and physical endurance.

Here is the video:

THE FIRST 🇮🇳 MALE SHUTTLER TO MAKE IT TO THE SEMI-FINALS AT THE OLYMPICS 🤩 #Lakshya Sen take bow 👏👏



Watch #Paris2024, LIVE on #Sports18 & stream FREE on #JioCinema#OlympicsOnJioCinema #OlympicsOnSports18 #JioCinemaSports#Cheer4Bharat #Badminton pic.twitter.com/cyhuiM9aTD

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 2, 2024

After dropping the first game 19-21, Sen fought back with determination, taking the second game 21-15. The final game was a nail-biting affair, with both players pushing each other to their limits. However, it was Sen who emerged victorious, maintaining his focus during the critical moments and securing his place in the semi-finals.

Can Lakshya Sen script history?

Lakshya Sen’s journey to the quarter-finals was equally impressive. He had already made headlines by defeating his compatriot, HS Prannoy, in a commanding performance during the Round of 16. Winning that match 21-12, 21-6, Sen established himself as India’s last hope for a badminton medal in Paris, a pressure he handled with remarkable poise.

This victory places Sen on the brink of joining an elite group of Indian badminton players who have medaled at the Olympics. Following in the footsteps of Saina Nehwal, who won bronze at London 2012, and PV Sindhu, who secured silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020, Sen is poised to continue India’s legacy of success in badminton on the world’s biggest stage.

The win over Chou Tien-Chen was particularly significant given the Taiwanese player’s experience and resilience. A cancer survivor, Chou demonstrated his fighting spirit by coming from behind to win the first game, showing the world why he remains a formidable opponent. However, Sen’s ability to withstand the pressure and outlast his opponent in the intense rallies underscored his growth as a player and his readiness to take on the world’s best.