In a thrilling Group L encounter at the Paris 2024 Olympics, India's Lakshya Sen triumphed over Belgium’s Julien Carraggi in the men's singles badminton match, winning 21-19, 21-14. Sen had his work cut out for him after losing the points from his opening game with Kevin Cordon pulling out.
The match began with Sen taking an early lead, but Carraggi quickly fought back, making the first game intensely competitive. Both players displayed remarkable agility and precision, engaging in a series of extended rallies that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Sen's ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as he secured the first game 21-19, despite Carraggi's relentless attempts to close the gap. Sen’s powerful smashes and deft net play were key factors in his ability to clinch crucial points during this tightly contested game.
The second game saw Sen asserting more dominance, leveraging his speed and strategic play to keep Carraggi on the defensive. Sen quickly established a lead, dictating the pace of the game with his accurate shot placement and tactical brilliance.
Despite Carraggi’s resilience and several well-executed returns, he struggled to match Sen’s intensity and consistency. Sen’s ability to force errors from Carraggi, combined with his own minimal mistakes, allowed him to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second game. He ultimately secured the game 21-14, sealing his victory
Throughout the match, Sen's smashes and net play were particularly effective, putting Carraggi under constant pressure. Carraggi, despite his resilience and several well-executed returns, struggled to keep up with Sen’s pace and consistent shot placement. The Belgian player did manage to close the gap at various points, but Sen’s composure and strategic play ensured he stayed ahead.
Sen’s victory is a significant boost for India’s badminton campaign at the Olympics, highlighting his potential to go further in the tournament. His next challenge will be against tougher opponents, including the likes of World No. 3 Jonatan Christie, who he is expected to face later in the group stages.