Paris Olympics 2024: 'What can I do...,' Lakshya Sen reacts after bronze medal match loss in badminton singles

India shuttler Lakshya Sen has reacted to his loss in the bronze medal match of men's badminton singles at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. Lakshya lost to Malaysia's Lee Jia Zii 13-21 21-16 21-11 on Monday (August 4).

Taking to social media platform X, the 22-year-old asked for some privacy and vowed to come back stronger.

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"My journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics has been both an honor and a heartbreak. I gave my all, fought with every ounce of strength, but fell just short of the podium. I am very grateful to all the supporters for their unwavering support."

"I am determined to reflect on what went wrong and where I need to improve. I sincerely request space and privacy at this time to regroup, come back stronger, and win laurels for India," wrote the history-maker Indian badminton player.

His post came after criticism from mentor and former India great Prakash Padukone who said that 'he's not happy' with the loss.

Speaking to reporters on Monday after the match, Lakshya said: "I will sit back and analyze what can I do better in the next tournament.”

He, however, acknowledged that some unforced errors coupled with a sharp display of skills by his opponents led to his heart-breaking loss.

“At times when the score is crucial and you have to be mentally really strong. Credit to him, he played a solid game in the second half,” he said.

“There were some unforced errors. He was playing a really sharp game in the second half,” added an emotional Lakshya.

Before losing in the bronze medal match, Lakhsya lost to eventual champion Viktor Axelsen in the semis. Axelsen, however, acknowledged the Indian player's talent and called him a sure gold medal contender at the next Olympic games.

The next games are scheduled in Los Angeles in 2028.