Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen readies for tough Group, glory at Paris Olympics 2024

Ace Indian shuttler and medal hope Lakshya Sen readies for a tough Group and glory at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, starting July 26. Drawn in Group L alongside world No.52 Julien Carraggi, No.41 Kevin Cordon and No.3 Jonatan Christie, Sen aims to go step by step while topping the Group as his first goal before setting eyes on a historic Olympic medal.

With his maiden Olympic qualification scenario working as a source of motivation for him, given he was all but out of the race until two successive semifinishes in March (at the French Open and All England) helped him seal the berth, Sen knows what is at stake as he prepares with a ten-member support staff in Halle des Sports Parsemain, Marseille.

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“I have played all of them before. I know what to expect. It is a tough pool. But I would be playing the Belgian and Guatemalan before facing Christie, which will help me set up a good match against Christie. I have to be really sharp,” Sen said during a video chat with media from Marseille.

Having made headlines for his sharp rise in the men’s singles category over the past two years, Sen admits the Paris Games being the most important competition of his life.

“This will be the biggest tournament of my life. Competition will be very tough as everyone will bring their A-game. I have to be at my very best, play well consistently in all matches. But I am really focused and prepared for the next 2-3 weeks in Paris,” he continued.

Meanwhile, should he and his compatriot HS Prannoy win their respective groups, they will face off in an all-Indian pre-quarters clash at the Paris Olympics. However, per the record, Lakshya leads the head-to-head tally 4-3.

“As of now, I am only thinking of winning the Group. There is a lot of work to be done before the knockouts. Overall, I am really prepared to go out there and give my best. The training has been good,” Sen added.

Sen explains training routine

Currently training in Marseille – a three-hour drive from Paris – for a 12-day stint, Sen is surrounded by his coach, Yoo Yong Sung, shuttler brother Chirag, his physical trainer and physio and others.

Explaining as to why he is based here, Sen said, “We decided to come here because it is close to Paris. The main reason was to come here early, get used to the time zone and get into the sleeping pattern. Also, shuttle speed matters a lot. In Bengaluru, shuttles are quite fast.

“In Marseille, which is next to the sea, the shuttle travels much slower. Conditions will be similar in Paris even if I keep the drift in mind. We will have 3-4 days to settle down in Paris and also get some court time and be ready for the matches,” the Indian shuttler concluded.

Meanwhile, Sen’s stint will end on Sunday (July 21), and he will move to the Olympic Village on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)