Paris Olympics: Lakshya Sen Rates His Games Debut 'Tricky' After Opening Round Tricky Match Against Guatemalan Veteran

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In the heart of Paris, where Olympic dreams take flight, Lakshya Sen made a dazzling debut at the 2024 Summer Games. The 22-year-old Indian shuttler's journey from nervous anticipation to triumphant elation was nothing short of remarkable.

In his maiden match, Sen carved his name with a thrilling victory over Guatemala's Kevin Cordon, showcasing a blend of skill and resilience. Follow our elaborated Paris Olympics Coverage

"It was an intense match," Sen reflected in an exclusive interview with JioCinema reporters post-match. "I felt the pressure controlling the shuttle from the other end. It was tricky."

Lakshya Sen, ranked 18th in the world, started his Olympic campaign with a commanding performance, clinching the first game 21-8. However, the path to victory was far from straightforward. The experienced Cordon mounted a fierce comeback in the second game, pushing Sen to the edge.

"The second game was challenging," Sen admitted. "The mindset was to fight for every point and not to give any easy point." Indeed, the match saw Sen trailing 20-16, on the brink of being forced into a deciding game. But in a display of mental fortitude that belied his years, Sen staged a dramatic comeback, reeling off six consecutive points to win the match 22-20.

Sen's coach, Vimal Kumar, shed light on the intricacies of the match during an exclusive conversation with myKhel. "Players were struggling to play with the wind," Kumar explained. "Lakshya was initially apprehensive when attacking clears to the back, and underarm pushes from the net areas were often sailing out."

Kumar further detailed the strategic adjustments Lakshya Sen had to make. "He tried to check and ended up playing short, which Kevin capitalised on. However, Lakshya accelerated his game towards the end and minimised errors, which was crucial in his comeback from 16-20 down."

Looking ahead, Coach Kumar highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum. "We have a practice session scheduled for tomorrow," he noted. "Lakshya and I will review the match and plan our strategy moving forward. This is just the beginning, and we're focusing on one match at a time."

As Sen gears up for his next challenge, against Belgium shutter Julien Carraggi, his Olympic journey has already captivated the imagination of fans across the nation. His debut not only showcased his skill and spirit but also his resolve, setting the stage for a compelling journey through the Paris 2024 Games.