Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024, Kolkata: Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen has expressed his ambition to become the “Virat Kohli of Indian Badminton,” following his impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite falling short of winning a medal, Sen’s remarkable journey to the semi-finals captured the hearts of fans and showcased his potential to become a dominant force in the sport.
In the semi-final match, Sen faced off against the world’s top-seeded player, Viktor Axelsen, in a fiercely contested match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Although Sen ultimately lost to Axelsen, his performance demonstrated resilience and skill. He narrowly missed out on a bronze medal after a close defeat by South Korea’s Lee Ji Gr in the third-place playoff. Despite the disappointment of missing out on a podium finish, Sen earned widespread praise for his sportsmanship and determination.
In a recent interview on the popular podcast “The Ranveer Show,” Sen spoke candidly about his aspirations and his admiration for cricketing legend Virat Kohli. “My dream is to be the Virat Kohli of Indian Badminton in the next few years,” Sen said. “Kohli has given a lot to Indian cricket, and I want to have a similar impact in Indian badminton.”
Sen’s comparison to Kohli, one of the most iconic figures in Indian sports, reflects his desire to not only excel individually but also to elevate Indian badminton on the global stage. “We trained together for two weeks, and I faced him in the semi-finals,” Sen said, referring to his recent training sessions with Axelsen. “I have won against Axelsen in the past, and I know I am on the right track and have to keep pushing forward.”
Axelsen, who has often spoken highly of Sen, praised the young Indian player once again in a recent interview. “Lakshya is an amazing player,” Axelsen said. “He has shown in these Olympics that he will be a gold medal contender in the next four years. He is a tremendous talent, and I wish him success.”
Lakshya Sen’s meteoric rise in the world of badminton has been nothing short of spectacular. Born in Almora, Uttarakhand, Sen quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive playing style and mental toughness. Trained at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru, Sen has been steadily climbing the ranks and earning accolades on the international circuit. His victories over top players, including past wins against Axelsen, have established him as one of India’s brightest badminton prospects.
Sen’s declaration to become the “Virat Kohli of Indian Badminton” signals his intent to dominate the sport with the same intensity and commitment that Kohli has shown in cricket. Kohli, known for his unmatched work ethic, leadership, and consistency, revolutionized Indian cricket during his tenure as captain, leading India to several historic victories. Sen hopes to bring a similar transformation to Indian badminton, inspiring a new generation of players.
Following his Olympic performance, Sen has returned to rigorous training, aiming to build on his strengths and work on areas of improvement. With his eyes set on the 2028 Olympics and other major international tournaments, Sen is determined to bring home accolades and make his mark in the sport. His next target is to win major titles like the All England Open and the BWF World Championships, which will not only solidify his position as a world-class player but also bring glory to Indian badminton.
The badminton fraternity and fans alike are excited to see what the future holds for Lakshya Sen. With his talent, drive, and ambition, he could very well become the next big name in Indian sports, following in the footsteps of legends like Virat Kohli.