"You are a hero for us"; "Too overconfident" - Mixed reactions from fans after Lakshya Sen's defeat in bronze medal match of Paris Olympics 2024
Lakshya Sen faced a heartbreaking defeat in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Monday. Despite taking an early lead by winning the first game, Sen ultimately lost to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia with scores of 21-13, 16-21, and 11-21.
The Indian shuttler's performance garnered a wide range of reactions from fans, who expressed both praise and criticism.
One fan appreciated his fighting spirit but noted the need for mental toughness, saying:
“Somehow never came back when started trailing. Kept giving away matches in spite of leading by huge points... But great player. May be needs to work on mental side of the game.”
However, not all reactions were positive. A segment of fans criticized Sen's approach and performance, with one user commenting:
“Too overconfident and taken opponent very easy after 1st set. Didn't expected from him.”
Another tweet highlighted perceived strategic weaknesses:
“Poor game play, like yesterday played to his opponents strengths. He needs a better coaching team. Strategies are outdated, needs to tighten up his game. Killer instinct from positions of strength is what is lacking.”
Despite the criticisms, there were those who empathized with Lakshya Sen's situation. Reflecting on his match, one fan said:
“He played like a lion ; I think the turning point was when he couldn’t close out 3 game points against Axelson yesterday. Mentally I think he was cooked right there. Today”s opponent was no match to Victor or the quarterfinal player and yet the demons came haunting once the lead was gone today in 2nd game. Hard luck but we’ll played Sen !! After all he is just 22 years . Has good 2 Olympics in him more.”
Some fans expressed their frustration more bluntly. One user tweeted:
“Unreal choking... Jeeta hua bronze medal opponent ko pehna diya bai lakshya ne ... Heartbreak bhai.”
Another tweet reflected a broader concern about Indian athletes under pressure:
“I think we Indian have Mentality Issues. Pata nai Pressure Situation me kya ho jata hai. Lead bhi Sustain nai hoti, Na to Comeback hota hai."
Lakshya Sen’s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024
Despite not securing a podium finish, Lakshya Sen would be proud of his performance at the Paris Olympics 2024. He became the only Indian men’s singles player to feature in a semi-final of the Olympic Games.
Lakshya Sen, 22, making his Olympic debut, had some memorable moments in Paris, which includes a win over World No. 4 Jonatan Christie. He even gave World No. 2 and Tokyo 2020 and eventual Paris 2024 gold medalist Viktor Axelsen a run for his money in the semis, with the latter labeling him as a top gold medal contender in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.