Paris Olympics 2024: Lakshya Sen Becomes First Indian Male Shuttler To Reach Semifinals | Badminton

Lakshya Sen made history at the Olympic Games as he became the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semifinals in men's singles badminton competition. While PV Sindhu had bagged two medals in the Olympic Games and Saina Nehwal had claimed a bronze in the 2012 edition in London, no Indian male player had reached the medal rounds in the Olympics. Sen achieved that feat with a hard-fought victory over Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the men's singles quarterfinals on Friday. Lakshya Sen, the lone Indian shuttler still in the fray in the Paris Olympics, lost the first game but took an early lead in the second game. They were tied 13-13 when the Indian shuttler, a former World Championships bronze medallist, took control of the proceedings and won five points in a row to open up a 18-13 gap. He went on to win the game 21-15 to take it to the decider. Sen was on top of his game in the decider as he took control of the proceedings 2-3 and opened up a 9-4 lead. Though his opponent from Chinese Taipei tried to fight back, Sen maintained his upper hand as he won the game 21-12 to win the match and seal a place in the semifinals. Lakshya Sen will next face Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semis. A victory in the semifinals will ensure a medal for India in the badminton event.