Lakshya Sen Prepares for Paris Olympics with Focus on Net Game and Closing Matches

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen is gearing up for the Paris Olympics, which begin next week, with a focus on improving his net game and addressing his tendency to concede points late in matches. The world No. 19 has been drawn in a tough Group L alongside Indonesian rival Jonatan Christie (WR 3), Guatemala's Kevin Cordon (WR 41), and Belgium's Julien Carragi (WR 52).

Sen has been working diligently on his overall game, including defense, attack, and net play. He has also been paying special attention to closing out matches strongly, an area where he has struggled in the past.

"We have focused a lot on overall improving the game and we had a good time for the last 6-7 weeks where I could really work on all the areas of the game," Sen said. "From defense to attack and overall, we have tried to get better at everything, and at the same time, worked a lot on the areas (in) which I was not really good at (and) maybe give extra time on the net game, the defense and also closing stages."

Sen is also adjusting to the different shuttle movement in Marseille, France, where he is currently training. He expects similar conditions in Paris and believes it is important to be sharp and aggressive in the closing stages of matches.

"It is important to be sharp and be aggressive. (In the) last few days, we are still trying to get good match practice here, play short games and also have a good match practice session so that I am sharp towards the end of the game," Sen said.

The 22-year-old is set to represent India in his first Olympics and is determined to top his group. He is confident in his preparation and believes he can perform at his best.

"I'm thinking about the first match and also winning the group because it's a quite a tough group. Overall I feel really prepared to go out there and perform my best and the training has been good," Sen said. "Now it's just a matter of going there, settling in, and being ready for each match. I'll just take one match at a time as of now and give my best at the Olympics."

Sen is aware of the potential pre-quarterfinal clash with compatriot HS Prannoy but is focused on topping his group first.

"We have seen the draw. It is a potential pre-quarter final but there is a lot of work to do before that. I am really focused on topping the group right now and then let's see what happens," he said.

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