Star shuttler Lakshya Sen lost the Bronze medal match against Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia and ended India's final hope to win a medal in Badminton in the ongoing edition of the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian badminton contingent, which consisted of stars like PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, HS Pranoy, and Satwik-Chirag, failed to even get one medal. After the Sen's loss, his mentor Prakash Padukone was disappointed with their performance and slammed them for not even getting one medal.
Lakshay Sen on losing the Bronze
Lakshya Sen's expectations of winning an Olympic medal on his Games debut disintegrated after he lost in three games to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match here on Monday. Almora's 22-year-old lost a one-game advantage as world number seven Lee found his attack just in time to win 13-21, 21-16, 21-11 for the bronze medal.
ALSO READ: Abhishek Nayar defends decision to send Shivam Dube at 4, Shreyas Iyer at 6 and KL Rahul at 7, says 'When it doesn't work out, these questions...'
ALSO READ: R Ashwin hits 3rd fifty in a row to lead Dindigul Dragons to maiden TNPL title with 6-wicket win over Shahrukh Khan's Lyca Kovai Kings
"I had my chances in the second set and could have definitely done better. But credit to him, he played a really good game. I think at the moment I'm just not able to think right now. I came well prepared for this match as well. It has been quite a tough week overall. But yeah, the fatigue kept on building. But I mean, I was ready to give my 100 per cent in this match," an emotional Sen said after losing the match.
Prakash Padukone slams Indian shuttles
This is the first time in 12 years that India will return without a badminton medal from the Olympics. Padukone was unimpressed with Indian shuttles and told them to improve their game as unlike earlier times they don't have top face facilities and fund issues anymore.
“All the support and finances that were needed to perform at the top level were given to the Indian players. It’s not like earlier times where our players lacked facilities and funds. So it’s high time our players step-up and win as expected,” said Prakash Padukone after Lakshya Sen's loss.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
