Ranked nineteenth on this planet, Lakshya will face World No. 3 Jonatan Christie, 41 Kevin Cordon and 52 Julien Carraggi in his group stage (L) matches.
Each athlete desires of reaching the top of their sport. The identical goes for badminton ace Lakshya Sen. With a couple of week left earlier than the group stage of males’s singles kicks off on the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 22-year-old stays hopeful of profitable a medal for India. At present in Marseille, Lakshya talked with the media about his coaching regime, potential run-ins towards Jonatan Christie and compatriot HS Prannoy, and the way the Paris Video games would be the greatest occasion of his life.
Situations
Lakshya will prepare in Marseille for the following couple of days and can depart for The Village on July 22. He’d initially determined to take part within the Canada Open (July 2-7) however resulting from some visa points, he couldn’t compete there. So, he and his crew determined to succeed in France slightly early and get used to the situations.
“The shuttle pace additionally issues as a result of in Bangalore it’s fairly quick. After we prepare in Marseille, which is nearer to the ocean, the shuttle travels a lot slower. I feel will probably be considerably comparable in Paris as effectively. Clearly, holding the drift and air situations in thoughts, will probably be slightly bit completely different.”
Apply, coach & coaching forward of Paris Video games
The 22-year-old talked about toeing the road between laborious coaching and taking good care of one’s well being. To match the depth he’ll face within the coming weeks, he’s as much as his coaching depth. Nonetheless, to make sure he doesn’t injure himself, Lakshya has been coaching briefly bursts as an alternative of lengthy periods.
“I’ve to be recent and sharp once I go on to the court docket. Throughout coaching periods, the depth is kind of excessive however not for a very long time in order that I don’t get drained. It’s necessary to take heed to your physique in periods like this since you don’t wish to over-train or under-train. There needs to be steadiness. We’re pushing throughout apply however we’re holding it quick so I don’t pressure myself.”
On how his new coach, Yoo Yong Sung, helps him throughout coaching, Lakshya talked concerning the former Korean shuttler’s expertise as a 2-time Olympic medalist and his tactical recommendation.
“He has received two silvers (Olympics) in his bag and the expertise that he shares is nice. Tactically the best way he analyses different opponents and provides you recommendation is admittedly useful. From defence to assault and general, we have now tried to get higher at every little thing, and on the identical time, labored loads on the areas wherein I used to be not likely good at and perhaps give further time on the web sport. You will need to be sharp and be aggressive.”
On Jonatan Christie & HS Prannoy
Lakshya Sen will meet World No. 3 Jonatan Christie within the group stage. Having confronted him thrice, the Indian has but to beat him however has managed to take a sport on every event. The final of three defeats got here in March on the All England Open, a match that may be very near Lakshya’s coronary heart.
“The final two to a few occasions we have now performed, it has been an in depth encounter. I’ll be watching these matches as effectively; perhaps a number of issues (about) what I can do higher from the final time and give attention to my power, how I can management the sport, how I can play my greatest.”
On probably dealing with compatriot HS Prannoy within the pre-quarterfinals, he mentioned, “That is the most important match of my life, and the competitors right here can be very, very robust. Everybody will attempt to convey their A-game, and yeah, I’m additionally making ready the identical method that I’ve to be at my very, easiest.”
Olympic medal aspirations
Two years in the past, many might have labeled Lakshya Sen as one of many favorites to win a medal. However proper now, that appears far-fetched. In 2022, he was the runner-up on the All England Open and received gold on the Thomas Cup and Commonwealth Video games (singles). Later within the 12 months, he reached his highest rating of 6. However since then, it’s been an up-and-down journey. He even took a break from the game final 12 months, however now he feels he’s again at his greatest.
“I’ve a sensible likelihood of profitable a medal,” mentioned Lakshya when requested about his aspiration of profitable on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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