New Delhi: Denmark’s World and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen lavished praise on India’s badminton sensation Lakshya Sen following their semi-final clash in the men’s singles event on Sunday at the Porte de La Chappelle Arena.
Lakshya Sen, who became the first male shuttler from India to qualify for the semifinal stage at Olympics, lost to Axelsen in straight games 20-22, 14-21. He showed his phenomenal gameplay against the No.2 seeded Danish shuttler. A compact defensive style was complemented with a marvellous strokeplay as Lakshya raced to the finish line but squandered three game points to allow the 30-year-old Axelsen make a comeback and eventually seal the first game.
Despite taking a clinical 7-0 lead in the second game, the Indian shuttler from Almora couldn’t enforce the momentum on his much-decorated opponent, who has won two Olympic medals and two World Championship titles. Banking on his experience and shrewd mindset, Axelsen overturned the deficit and wrapped the match in 54 minutes.
The Danish ace had some words of encouragement for his younger Indian opponent after the match.
“Lakshya Sen is an amazing talent. It was my toughest match today. He has a bright future ahead. I think at the next Olympics he will be the favourite to win gold. I wish him all the best,” Axelsen told Sports18 network, the official broadcaster of the Paris Olympics in India.
Who will Lakshya Sen face in bronze medal match?
Lakshya Sen will have another shot at a medal in the Paris Olympics after losing the semifinal to Axelsen. The 22-year-old Indian will face Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the bronze medal playoff on Monday (August 5). Had Lakshya made it to the gold medal match, he would be the first male shuttler from the country to achieve the feat, and second after PV Sindhu in Rio Olympics 2016.
Lakshya can continue India’s medal streak at the Olympics for four editions now after Saina Nehwal claimed bronze in London (2012) followed by Sindhu’s rise with silver and bronze medals at Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2020) editions, respectively.
Denmark’s World and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen lavished praise on India’s badminton sensation Lakshya Sen following their semi-final clash in the men’s singles event on Sunday at the Porte de La Chappelle Arena. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
