Badminton

India's Olympic campaign continued with a mixed bag of results on Day 7 in Paris. Manu Bhaker maintained her medal hopes by qualifying for the women's 25m pistol final, while Lakshya Sen advanced to the men's singles semi-final in badminton.In shooting, Bhaker's consistent performance earned her a spot in the final, where she will aim to add to India's medal tally. However, Esha Singh's Olympic journey ended with an 18th-place finish.Badminton saw India's lone charge, Lakshya Sen, overcome a tough challenge from Chou Tien Chen to reach the semi-finals. Sen's victory keeps India's hopes alive for a medal in the sport.Judo brought disappointment for India as Tulika Maan lost her women's +75kg Round of 32 bout. In archery, the mixed team of Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara had a rollercoaster day. They defeated Indonesia and Spain but fell short against South Korea in the semi-final and USA in the bronze medal match.The men's hockey team bounced back from their previous loss with a 3-2 victory over Australia in their final pool match. This win secures their place in the knockout stage.In rowing, Balraj Panwar finished 23rd out of 33 athletes in the men's singles sculls. Athletics saw Parul Chaudhary and Ankita fail to advance from the women's 5000m Heat 2 and Heat 1, respectively. Tajinderpal Singh Toor also missed out on qualification in the men's shot put.Sailing witnessed mixed results for India. Vishnu Saravanan finished 20th and 19th in the men's dinghy, while Nethra Kumanan placed 11th in the women's dinghy after the first three races.

Lakshya Sen has etched his name in Indian sporting history by becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach the men's singles semi-finals at the Olympics. In a thrilling quarterfinal encounter that lasted 70 minutes, Sen overcame the challenge of China's Chou Chen in a hard-fought three-game battle.The opening game was a closely contested affair, with both players trading blows. However, Chen managed to snatch the game 21-19. Undeterred, Sen regrouped and dominated the second game, winning it 21-15.In the decisive third game, Sen showcased his exceptional skills and tactical prowess. He controlled the pace of the game, forcing Chen into errors and dictating the rallies. With a commanding 21-12 victory, Sen sealed his place in the semi-finals.Sen's historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian badminton. He joins the illustrious company of Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, who have previously reached the Olympic semi-finals in women's singles. Sindhu is the only Indian shuttler to have played in an Olympic final, winning a silver medal in 2016.In the semi-finals, Sen will face the winner of the match between top seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and Singapore's Loh Kean Yew. Axelsen is the reigning world champion and a strong contender for the gold medal, while Yew is a rising star who has impressed with his performances in recent tournaments.Sen's journey to the semi-finals has been marked by resilience and determination. He has overcome tough opponents and challenging conditions to reach this historic milestone. His success is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the unwavering support of his coaches and team.As the Indian contingent continues its quest for medals at the Tokyo Olympics, Lakshya Sen's achievement has ignited a wave of excitement and pride across the nation. His historic run has inspired countless young athletes and badminton enthusiasts, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Lakshya Sen's stunning no-look backhand at the 2024 Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the badminton world and captured the hearts of Indian fans. In a do-or-die group stage match against Indonesian star Jonatan Christie, Sen pulled off an extraordinary shot that left spectators in disbelief.The Indian shuttler's audacious backhand, executed with precision and flair, caught Christie off guard and sent the shuttlecock soaring over the net. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, while Indian fans took to social media to express their awe and excitement.Business tycoon Anand Mahindra was among those who couldn't resist sharing his admiration for Sen's incredible skill. In his signature witty style, Mahindra joked that he would "cry foul" and "file a suit" if he ever faced Sen as an opponent."If I were his opponent, I would cry foul and file a suit claiming that I was confronted by an unnatural opponent who possessed three arms," Mahindra wrote on Twitter, sharing a video of Sen's backhand.The post has garnered over two million views and countless comments, with users expressing their amazement and admiration for Sen's talent."I was fortunate enough to watch this live. This is new India. Unconventional, aggressive, energetic, and resourceful," wrote one user."Yes! This is the backhand which could have shocked even the greatest of greats! Amazing Innovation in skills!" added another.Sen's victory over Christie, the world number 4, was a testament to his growing stature in the sport. The Indian shuttler has been making waves on the international circuit, and his performance at the Olympics is a clear indication of his potential.In 2016, Sen became the youngest player to reach the Indian national men's singles final at the age of 15. He has since gone on to win several international titles, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal.Sen's success is a source of pride for India and a testament to the country's growing prowess in badminton. With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, Sen is poised to become one of the greatest badminton players of all time.

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen has secured a place in the pre-quarters of the ongoing Paris Olympics after defeating Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in the men's singles Group L match. Sen's victory came in straight sets, 21-18, 21-12, in a match that lasted 50 minutes at the La Chapelle Arena.Sen dominated the match from the start, winning the first game 8-2. He continued his momentum in the second game, capitalizing on Christie's errors to close out the match. With this win, Sen topped the men's singles Group L and could potentially face HS Prannoy in the upcoming Round of 16 match.Sen's performance has been particularly impressive, with one of his backhand shots going viral on social media. Internet users have hailed the shot as "mad" and "god-like," inspiring budding badminton champions.Earlier in the tournament, Sen defeated Julien Carraggi of Belgium in straight sets, 21-19, 21-14. He also had a dominating win over Guatemala's Kevin Cordon, but the result was later deleted after Cordon withdrew from the Olympics due to an injury.Sen's success in the Paris Olympics is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has emerged as one of India's top badminton players and is expected to continue his winning streak in the upcoming matches.

Lakshya Sen's stunning victory over Jonatan Christie at the Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the badminton world. The Indian shuttler, ranked 22nd in the world, upset the third-seeded Indonesian, who is considered a favorite for the men's singles gold medal.Sen's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, as he had previously lost four consecutive matches to Christie. The Indonesian has been in dominant form this year, winning the Asian and All England championships. However, Sen's determination and tactical brilliance proved too much for Christie on Wednesday.In the first game, Christie took an early lead but Sen fought back to level the score at 8-all. The Indian continued to attack the net and exploit Christie's errors, eventually winning the game 21-18.The second game was even more one-sided, as Sen gained confidence from his first-game victory. He built a solid lead at the mid-game interval and never looked back, winning 21-12.Sen's victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed well on the big stage, including winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022. His victory over Christie is a major boost for India's hopes of winning a badminton medal at the Paris Olympics.Meanwhile, PV Sindhu also advanced to the women's singles Round of 16 with a comfortable victory over Kristin Kuuba of Estonia. The double Olympic medalist won in just 34 minutes, barely breaking a sweat.Sindhu will face a tougher test in the next round when she takes on Chinese sixth seed He Bing Jiao. The two players have a close head-to-head record, with Sindhu winning the most recent encounter in the bronze medal playoff at the Tokyo Olympics.

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen has made a strong start to his Paris Olympics campaign, securing a straight-sets victory over Belgium's Julien Carraggi in the Group L men's singles match. The 43-minute encounter at the La Chapelle Arena saw Sen overcome a four-point deficit in the first game and dominate the second, winning 21-19, 21-14.Sen's victory comes after a setback on Sunday when his win over Guatemala's Kevin Cordon was "deleted" due to Cordon's withdrawal from the Olympics due to a left elbow injury. As per BWF regulations, the result of the match was removed, and Sen's ranking will be determined based on his remaining two Group L matches.In the women's doubles, India's hopes suffered a blow as the pair of Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa were defeated by the world number four Japanese duo of Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida. The Indian pair lost 11-21, 12-21 in a one-sided Group C clash.Despite the setback in women's doubles, Sen's victory provides a boost to India's badminton campaign. The 22-year-old has shown impressive form, demonstrating his ability to overcome challenges and secure crucial wins. As he prepares for his remaining Group L matches, Sen will be aiming to continue his winning streak and secure a place in the knockout stages.

Lakshya Sen's victory over Guatemala's Kevin Cordon in the men's singles Group L match at the Paris Olympics has been nullified due to Cordon's withdrawal from the tournament due to a left elbow injury. As per BWF regulations for group stage play, the match between Lakshya and Cordon has been "deleted."Lakshya's ranking will now be determined by the results of his remaining Group L matches. He will face Julian Carragi on July 29. The decision has sparked controversy among fans, who have criticized it as "unfair" to Lakshya.Meanwhile, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made a strong start with a 21-17, 21-14 victory over France's Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar in Group C. However, Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto lost to Republic Korea's Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong in straight games in their group match.PV Sindhu also began her campaign with a dominant straight-game win against Maldives' Fathimath Abdul Razzaq, securing a 21-9, 21-6 victory. Speaking after the match, Sindhu expressed her satisfaction with her performance and emphasized the importance of mental strength in overcoming challenges.

Ace Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen made a resounding start to his Olympic campaign, dispatching reigning Pan American champion Kevin Cordon of Guatemala in straight games in their men's singles badminton group match at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.The 22-year-old Sen, making his Olympic debut, displayed his class and composure to overcome Cordon 21-8 22-20 in a match that lasted 42 minutes. The victory sets the stage for Sen to make a deep run in the tournament, having already established himself as one of the rising stars in the sport.Sen, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2021 World Championships, dominated the first game against Cordon, showcasing his aggressive style of play and precise shot-making. He took the opening game with ease, 21-8.However, Cordon, a veteran of the sport, fought back in the second game, pushing Sen to the limit. The Guatemalan shuttler displayed his resilience and determination, forcing Sen to dig deep and find his best form. Despite Cordon's spirited comeback, Sen held his nerve and emerged victorious, winning the second game 22-20.Sen's victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it bodes well for his chances of success in the tournament. He will face Julien Carraggi of Belgium in his second group match on Monday, and a win there would put him in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.The Indian contingent will be hoping that Sen can continue his impressive form and bring home a medal from the Paris Olympics. His victory over Cordon has certainly raised expectations, and he will be one of the players to watch in the men's singles competition.

Indian Badminton Contingent Primed for Paris Olympics GloryAs the Paris Olympics draw near, India's badminton contingent is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage. Led by two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu, the "super seven" Indian shuttlers are ready to showcase their skills at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena.PV Sindhu: Aiming for a Third MedalPV Sindhu, India's most decorated badminton player, carries the weight of expectations as she seeks to add to her Olympic medal tally. Despite recent injuries, Sindhu remains a formidable force, having won the Commonwealth Games title in 2022. She will face a tough test in the pre-quarterfinals against world No. 8 He Bing Jiao of China.Satwik-Chirag: Medal Favorites in Men's DoublesSatwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, known as Satwik-Chirag, are the favorites to earn India a medal in men's doubles. The duo has been in exceptional form, winning multiple titles and reaching the world No. 3 ranking. They will aim to replicate their success from the Tokyo Olympics, where they defeated the eventual champions.Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy: Battling for a Quarterfinal BerthIn men's singles, India will be represented by Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy. However, only one of them will advance to the quarterfinals due to an unfortunate draw. Prannoy is likely to top his group, while Sen faces a challenging task against world No. 3 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia.Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto: Underdogs in Women's DoublesAshwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto will represent India in women's doubles. They face a daunting task in their group, which includes world No. 4 Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida of Japan and 2023 All England champions Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong of South Korea.ConclusionIndia's badminton contingent is ready to make a mark at the Paris Olympics. With a mix of experience and rising stars, the "super seven" shuttlers have the potential to bring home medals and add to India's sporting legacy.