Bharat’s emerging badminton star, Lakshya Sen, made history by securing a spot in the semi-finals of the men’s singles event at the Paris Olympics on Friday. His remarkable 19-21, 21-15, 21-12 victory over Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen marks the first time an Indian shuttler has reached this stage in the men’s singles event.
The quarter-final clash was a riveting spectacle, with both players displaying exceptional skill and determination. The 22-year-old Sen will now compete for a medal, aiming to further enhance Bharat’s Olympic medal tally.
The first set was a thrilling exchange, with both players trading points and showcasing their strengths. Chou Tien Chen initially gained the upper hand, leveraging powerful smashes to build a three-point lead. However, Sen’s resilience shone through as he managed to level the score at 5-5 and 7-7.
A particularly intense 51-stroke rally captivated the audience, with Sen eventually pulling even. Despite a strong comeback effort from Sen, Chou’s relentless attacking play earned him the first set 19-21.
In the second set, Sen adapted his strategy, capitalizing on Chou’s errors and gaining an early lead of 4-1. Although Chou briefly took the lead at 7-9, Sen’s exceptional athleticism and determination allowed him to regain control and secure the set 21-15.
The decisive third set saw Chou initially dominate, but Sen’s resolve and tactical adjustments turned the tide. With consistent performance and strategic play, Sen overcame Chou to win the final set 21-12, becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semi-finals in Olympic history.
Sen’s journey to the semi-finals reflects his remarkable talent and dedication, and he is set to continue his pursuit of gold at the ongoing Paris Olympics.
