Lakshya Sen resumes quest for Olympic gold after Paris heartbreak, says ‘the fire burns brightly within me’

Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen made headlines for his star performance at the Paris Games 2024, though he failed to bag a medal, finishing fourth in the individual category in men’s badminton. Back home after the Paris heartbreak, Lakshya plans to resume training and his quest for an Olympic gold medal at Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru.

Taking to his social media handle X, Lakshya expressed gratitude towards his coaches, parents, supporting partners and sponsors for backing him throughout his journey, where he turned into a potential Olympic medallist from an emerging star.

In a heartfelt social media note, Lakshya thanked his mentors - Prakash Padukone and Vimal Kumar, further crediting the academy for helping him become who he is today.

The youngster also expressed gratitude towards the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for fuelling his Olympic dream in Paris.

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“I’m back in Bangalore and all set to resume my training at my home base at the @ppbaindia after a memorable Olympic journey. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I have literally grown up as a person and an athlete at the academy,” the Indian shuttler wrote in a social media post.

“I would like to thank my mentors Prakash sir and Vimal sir, my father, all the other coaches, the physios and other staff members at @ppbaindia and CSE, and am grateful to SAI, Infosys Foundation, @redbullindia, YONEX and @OGQ_India for supporting PPBA and me, and for playing an important part in fuelling my Olympic dream,” Lakshya continued. 

‘Fire burns brightly within me’

Lakshya had a tough group, but despite playing an extra game than others, he reached the knockout stage comfortably. Lakshya was impressive in the Round of 16 and quarter-final clash but crumbled under pressure against defending champion Viktor Axelsen in the crucial semis.

With that, he qualified for the bronze medal game, but lost to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia despite leading in the first game. 

Lakshya thanked his family and admitted he has the fire burning inside him to achieve his Olympic gold.

“There are no words to express the role my family has played, and they remain my biggest strength. I have so much more to learn at PPBA and, hopefully, lots more to offer this beautiful sport of badminton. The fire burns brightly within me,” his post read. 

(With inputs from agencies)