shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Underdog Lakshya can play more freely says Vimal Kumar

‘Underdog’ Lakshya can play more freely, says Vimal Kumar

Updated on: 17 July,2024 08:17 AM IST  |  New Delhi
PTI |

India’s previous badminton medals at the Games have been clinched by Saina Nehwal (bronze in 2012) and P V Sindhu (silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020)

‘Underdog’ Lakshya can play more freely, says Vimal Kumar

Lakshya Sen. Pic/AFP

The presence of some established foes notwithstanding, India shuttler Lakshya Sen has got a “fair” draw in his debut Olympics, according to his coach Vimal Kumar, who expects him to play freely in Paris thanks to his “underdog” status and some technical improvements in his game.


World No. 19 Sen’s path to a medal has multiple hurdles as he will need to get past familiar Indonesian nemesis Jonatan Christie, last Olympics’ surprise semi-finalist Kevin Cordon from Guatemala, and Julian Carraggi from Belgium in Group L. “I think it [the draw] is very fair, a very reasonable draw for him.
 Lakshya has nothing to lose. He will be the underdog and can play more freely,” Vimal, a former India coach, told PTI from Marseille, France, where Sen is currently training for the Paris Olympics. “A couple of times, he has lost to Jonathan Christie in close matches. It’s a 50-50 match,” he asserted.


Also Read: Lakshya Sen's Paris hopes brighten, enters No.15 in Olympic Games qualification


Vimal said Sen has worked on his front-court alertness and closing stage composure. The 22-year-old would be aiming to become the first Indian male shuttler to finish on the Olympic podium.

India’s previous badminton medals at the Games have been clinched by Saina Nehwal (bronze in 2012) and P V Sindhu (silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020).

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK