Lakshya Sen optimistic about Olympic medal chances, ready for potential clash against HS Prannoy

Every athlete dreams of reaching the pinnacle of their sport. The same goes for badminton ace Lakshya Sen. With about a week left before the group stage of men’s singles kicks off at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 22-year-old remains hopeful of winning a medal for India. Currently in Marseille, Lakshya talked with the media about his training regime, potential run-ins against Jonatan Christie and compatriot HS Prannoy, and how the Paris Games will be the biggest event of his life.

Conditions

Lakshya will train in Marseille for the next couple of days and will leave for The Village on July 22. He’d originally decided to participate in the Canada Open (July 2-7) but due to some visa issues, he couldn’t compete there. So, he and his team decided to reach France a little early and get used to the conditions.

“The shuttle speed also matters because in Bangalore it is quite fast. When we train in Marseille, which is closer to the sea, the shuttle travels much slower. I think it will be somewhat similar in Paris as well. Obviously, keeping the drift and air conditions in mind, it will be a little bit different.”

Practice, coach & training ahead of Paris Games

The 22-year-old talked about toeing the line between hard training and taking care of one’s health. To match the intensity he’ll face in the coming weeks, he’s up to his training intensity. However, to ensure he doesn’t injure himself, Lakshya has been training in short bursts instead of long sessions.

“I have to be fresh and sharp when I go on to the court. During training sessions, the intensity is quite high but not for a long time so that I don’t get tired. It’s important to listen to your body during periods like this because you don’t want to over-train or under-train. There has to be balance. We’re pushing during practice but we’re keeping it short so I don’t strain myself.”

On how his new coach, Yoo Yong Sung, is helping him during training, Lakshya talked about the former Korean shuttler’s experience as a 2-time Olympic medalist and his tactical advice.

“He has got two silvers (Olympics) in his bag and the experience that he shares is great. Tactically the way he analyses other opponents and gives you advice is really helpful. From defence to attack and overall, we have tried to get better at everything, and at the same time, worked a lot on the areas in which I was not really good at and maybe give extra time on the net game. It is important to be sharp and be aggressive.”

On Jonatan Christie & HS Prannoy

Lakshya Sen will meet World No. 3 Jonatan Christie in the group stage. Having faced him thrice, the Indian has yet to beat him but has managed to take a game on each occasion. The last of three defeats came in March at the All England Open, a tournament that is very close to Lakshya’s heart.

“The last two to three times we have played, it has been a close encounter. I’ll be watching those matches as well; maybe a few things (about) what I can do better from the last time and focus on my strength, how I can control the game, how I can play my best.”

On potentially facing compatriot HS Prannoy in the pre-quarterfinals, he said, “This is the biggest tournament of my life, and the competition here will be very, very tough. Everyone will try to bring their A-game, and yeah, I’m also preparing the same way that I have to be at my very, very best.”

Olympic medal aspirations

Two years ago, many may have labeled Lakshya Sen as one of the favorites to win a medal. But right now, that looks far-fetched. In 2022, he was the runner-up at the All England Open and won gold at the Thomas Cup and Commonwealth Games (singles). Later in the year, he reached his highest ranking of 6. But since then, it’s been an up-and-down journey. He even took a break from the sport last year, but now he feels he’s back at his best.

“I have a realistic chance of winning a medal,” said Lakshya when asked about his aspiration of winning at the Paris 2024 Olympics.