On the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with India’s Paris Olympics athletes including shuttler Lakshya Sen who locker room discussion revealed that coach Prakash Padukone had taken his phone during the matches so that he could not get distracted.
“Prakash Sir took away my phone during the matches and said you won’t get it until the matches are over,” Lakshya told PM Modi. In response, PM Modi jokingly remarked, “Prakash Sir was so disciplined and strict, will send him to the next Olympics as well.”
Lakshya, who made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in men’s badminton at the Olympics, reflected on his journey. He topped his group with victories over top players like Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie and compatriot HS Prannoy in the round of 16, and he stunned Chou Tien-chen in the quarterfinals. However, he fell short of an Olympic medal after losing to world no. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semifinal.
However, the deep sense of satisfaction that followed the race was overshadowed by disappointment, as Lakshya said: PM Modi supported him by saying, “It would have been good to have you back with a medal but you have performed well.” For that, children in our country are inspired by how well you played in the Olympics.
Sen stated his desire to do his best, to train harder and even to encourage young badminton players in India.