"Lakshya has nothing to lose" - Coach Vimal Kumar backs 'underdog' Lakshya Sen to perform well in Paris Olympics 2024

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen finds himself in Group L in the men's singles tournament at Paris Olympics 2024. Although his group features Jonatan Christie, Kevin Cordon and Julian Carraggi, Sen's coach Vimal Kumar thinks that he can make it to the second round.

Jonatan Christie has troubled Lakshya Sen in the past, while Kevin Cordon surprised everyone by qualifying for the semifinals in the previous edition of the Olympics.

Speaking with PTI from France, coach Vimal Kumar opined that Lakshya's draw was a fair one, but he felt that the Indian badminton star will be the underdog in his group.

"I think it (the draw) is very fair, I feel it is a very reasonable draw for him. A couple of times, he has lost to Jonathan Christie in close matches. It's a 50-50 match. You have to convert (chances) if you have to get to the second stage. In my opinion, Lakshya has nothing to lose. He will be the underdog and he can play a lot more freely," Vimal said.

Kumar further mentioned that not going for the Canada Open hurt Lakshya's preparations a bit, but he was optimistic that his disciple will bring his 'A' game to the table at the grand stage in Paris.

Can Lakshya Sen make history by winning a medal at Paris Olympics 2024?

Lakshya Sen, 22, will compete at the Olympics for the first time in his career in Paris this year. Sen has produced some brilliant performances in the past, which is why fans have high expectations from him.

If Sen manages to win a medal at the grand stage, he will become the first Indian to achieve the feat in men's badminton singles category at the Olympics. India has won three medals in badminton before, with Saina Nehwal winning bronze in 2012, and PV Sindhu winning silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020.

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