4 August: Reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has predicted a gold medal for India’s Lakshya Sen at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics following his victory over the young Indian shuttler in the men’s singles semifinal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite trailing in both games, Axelsen made impressive comebacks to win 22-20 and 21-14 in a match that lasted 54 minutes. Sen initially led 15-9 in the first game, but Axelsen’s resilience saw him win four consecutive points and eventually take the game 22-20 after capitalizing on Sen’s unforced errors.
In the second game, Sen again took a commanding 7-0 lead before Axelsen staged another comeback, winning 21 of the next 28 points to close the game at 21-14. Axelsen described this semifinal as his toughest match in Paris, acknowledging Sen’s strong start and his own ability to relax in the second game. The Danish star, aiming to join Chinese legend Lin Dan as a two-time Olympic gold medalist, praised Sen as a future gold-medal contender, highlighting his remarkable talent and competitiveness.
Axelsen attributed his victory to experience, noting that Sen played better for much of the match but seemed nervous at crucial moments. Sen will have another opportunity to win an Olympic medal when he faces Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal playoff. India has never won an Olympic gold in badminton, with PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal securing silver, bronze, and bronze medals in previous Games.
Reflecting on the match, Sen expressed his regret for not capitalizing on his lead in the first game and becoming too passive as Axelsen increased his attacking play. He acknowledged that taking more chances and being more aggressive could have changed the outcome. This was Sen’s eighth loss to Axelsen, having only defeated him once at the 2022 German Open final.
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