Ace Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen made a resounding start to his Olympic campaign, dispatching reigning Pan American champion Kevin Cordon of Guatemala in straight games in their men’s singles badminton group match at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
The 22-year-old Sen, making his Olympic debut, displayed his class and composure to overcome Cordon 21-8 22-20 in a match that lasted 42 minutes. The victory sets the stage for Sen to make a deep run in the tournament, having already established himself as one of the rising stars in the sport.
Sen, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2021 World Championships, dominated the first game against Cordon, showcasing his aggressive style of play and precise shot-making. He took the opening game with ease, 21-8.
However, Cordon, a veteran of the sport, fought back in the second game, pushing Sen to the limit. The Guatemalan shuttler displayed his resilience and determination, forcing Sen to dig deep and find his best form. Despite Cordon’s spirited comeback, Sen held his nerve and emerged victorious, winning the second game 22-20.
Sen’s victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it bodes well for his chances of success in the tournament. He will face Julien Carraggi of Belgium in his second group match on Monday, and a win there would put him in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.
The Indian contingent will be hoping that Sen can continue his impressive form and bring home a medal from the Paris Olympics. His victory over Cordon has certainly raised expectations, and he will be one of the players to watch in the men’s singles competition.
