Paris Olympics: PM Modi’s response to Lakshya Sen’s remarks on his coach - ‘If Prakash sir is so strict...’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted quickly to ace shuttler Lakshya Sen’s remarks on his coach (Prakash Padukone at the Paris Games 2024) during a recent chat with the Paris Olympics-bound Indian contingent. 

Padukone, a former badminton veteran, was critical of Lakshya and other players for failing to win the clutch moments during the 2024 Summer Games, with the young shuttler also revealing that the coach took away his phone during the Olympics to reduce distraction.

Lakshya was a certain medal hope for India at the Paris Olympics, but after he lost from the positions he was in - in the semis (against the defending champion Viktor Axelsen) and the bronze medal match against Lee Zii Jia, brought sheer disappointment to him and millions watching on TV worldwide.

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Despite his failed campaign, where he returned home empty-handed, Lakshya earned quite a name, with countless fans back home applauding the shuttler for his lion-hearted effort at the Games. 

Speaking on the same lines, PM Modi first asked Lakshya, “Do you know you have become a celebrity now?” 

To which Lakshya replied, “Matches ke time phone Prakash sir ne liya tha aur bola ki matches ke baad hi milega (Prakash sir took away my phone… said won’t get back till matches are done).” 

PM Modi quickly replied, “If Prakash sir is so strict, we will send him next time too.”

Meanwhile, speaking on his performance at the Games, Lakshya admitted the results were heartbreaking, but he learned his lessons, and come the next Olympics (LA28), he vows to go one step ahead and win an Olympic medal.

“It was a good learning experience for me. It was heartbreaking as well, I was so close to win a medal. But I will make sure that I will do well in the future,” Lakshya said.

Prakash Padukone critical of players

Shortly after Lakshya’s bronze medal match, which he lost despite leading the first game, his coach Padukone said the government and the federations are doing enough for the athletes and that it boils down to the players to get the job done on D-day.

“Maybe, you know, the players are not working hard enough. Maybe, it is not enough to get a medal at the Olympics. So you (players) need to work also,” Padukone said. 

When asked if pampering has affected the players’ hunger, Prakash said, “Maybe, to some extent. That (pampering) is also required. I hope the players also realise… when you ask for certain things, they also need to deliver. If they don’t deliver, then I think you need to be a little firm. Maybe the federation or the government can be. Let’s be frank.”

(With inputs from agencies)