Looking to bounce back: India’s Lakshya Sen lost to Taiwan’s world No. 31 Chi Yu-jen in the Malaysian Open first round last week.
PETALING JAYA: Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen is hungry to prove himself this year after an inconsistent showing in 2024 in the men’s singles.
Lakshya burst onto the scene in 2022 when he captured the Indian Open and finished runner-up in the All-England and German Open but has not managed to consistently perform well at the highest level.
The 23-year-old also won gold in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games but was hampered by health issues after that.
Last year, Lakshya was heavily criticised by the media in India for missing out on a bronze in the Paris Olympics, yet he was the only representative from his country to reach the semi-finals.
The Indian went down to eventual champion Viktor Axelsen in the last four before losing to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match.
Lakshya’s only title in 2024 came in the World Tour Super 300 Syed Modi International in November.
The world No. 12 did not have a good start to 2025 after suffering a shock first-round defeat at the hands of Taiwan’s world No. 31 Chi Yu-jen in the Malaysian Open.
Lakshya is now determined to do better and repeat his victory in his home Open, which kicked off yesterday in New Delhi.
“I won the Indian Open in 2022 when the tournament wasn’t in front of fans (due to Covid-19 restrictions). So, I hope to win it in front of fans this time,” said Lakshya in an interview with the Badminton World Federation.
“All the top players are in this tournament, so it’s a treat for the fans.
“Last year was tough for me, losing (while) close to a medal (in the Olympics) and missing out. But the fire inside is still burning bright, so I’m looking forward to doing well this year.
“It wasn’t an ideal start at the Malaysia Open but I’m looking forward to a tough season ahead.
“The season has just begun. There will be ups and downs. Last year showed me it can be tough at times.
“Overall, it (Olympics) was a good experience and that experience will help me now. It gave me a lot of belief as well, that if (the level) can be there, I can win tournaments,” added Lakshya.
Lakshya has a tricky opening match at home against Taiwan’s world No. 15 Lin Chun-yi today.
