“This will will be the biggest tournament of my life”- Debutant Lakshya Sen asserts ahead of Paris Olympics 2024
Gold medal winner at the 2022 Commonwealth Games Lakshya Sen is all set to make his debut at the much coveted Olympic Games come the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Indian shuttler is well aware of the magnitude of the event and the steep competition that lies ahead of him.
The 22-year-old understands the importance of staying focused on the task at hand and has faith in his preparations.
"This will be the biggest tournament of my life. Competition will be very tough as everyone will bring their A-game. I have to be at my very best, play consistently well in all matches. But I am really focused and prepared for the next 2-3 weeks in Paris,” Lakshya told Hindustan Times.
Lakshya Sen will go up against the World No. 3 from Indonesia, Jonatan Christie, who is in the same pool as him and has been a tough opponent right through his career. Christie currently holds a 4-1 lead over the Indian on the head-to-head count and would be one of the biggest challenges for the young shuttler to overcome.
“Christie has been a tough opponent. All my matches against him have been close. I will be watching those matches, observing the areas I could do better from last time. Simultaneously I’ll be focussing on my strengths, on how I can control the game and play my best,” Lakshya added.
"I know what to expect" - Lakshya Sen on being part of a tough pool
Lakshya Sen will not have it easy in his debut appearance at the quadrennial event. The youngster will be competing in a challenging pool featuring Jonathan Christie, World No. 41 Kevin Cordon and World No. 52 Julien Carragi. However, the shuttler remains optimistic about his chances.
“I have played all of them before. I know what to expect. It is a tough pool. But I will be playing the Belgian and Guatemalan before facing Christie which will help me set up a good match against Christie. I have to be really sharp,” Sen concluded.
The young badminton star is currently training in Marseille, France, and will be moving to the Games on July 22.