Lakshya Sen (Pic Credit: All India Radio News’s X Handle) Although the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are still more than two years away, Lakshya Sen is already seen as one of India’s best hopes for a medal in badminton singles.The 24-year-old Lakshya made his debut at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where he came close to finishing on the podium. He put up a strong fight in the bronze medal match but lost to Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia.The disappointment was visible as Lakshya walked out of the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, also known as the Adidas Arena. However, the young man decided to leave this obstacle behind and focus on the future.
Lakshya Sen (Pic Credit: Lakshya’s Insta Handle)
He showed his credentials again at the just concluded All England Championships 2026. He defeated world number one Shi Yuqi in the first round en route to the final, where he narrowly lost.Former Indian badminton player Trupti Murgunde believes Lakshya, currently ranked 12th, is well positioned to become a strong medal contender at LA 2028.“Looking at his current form, I would definitely say he will be in the squad,” Murgunde told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive chat.Now a coach at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru, Murgunde was part of the support system when Lakshya won bronze at the 2021 BWF World Championships in Huelva.However, she emphasized that the road to the Olympics is long and difficult.“Two years is a long time in badminton. Lakshya has been playing on the circuit for quite some time now, so maintaining it will be very important. He will have to choose tournaments wisely, stay fit and stay injury free,” she said.Murgunde added that while Lakshya is currently a strong medal prospect, it is too early to make firm predictions about the Los Angeles Games.“If you ask me today, I’d say she definitely has medal prospects. But we have to see how she can maintain her form and fitness until Los Angeles,” she said, adding that the picture will become clearer closer to the Olympic qualification stage.She also pointed out that fans and observers are often too quick to label rookies.“We often see people jumping to conclusions too soon. For example, whenever a young player performs well in singles, people immediately ask if she is the next Sindhu. I always say – don’t jump to conclusions so quickly,” said Murgunde.According to her, India’s medal prospects will be brighter by the end of the next season.“I think by the end of this year and probably 2027, we’ll have a much clearer idea of how our players stack up in the Olympics,” she explained.Murgunde also highlighted the intensity of Olympic qualification in badminton, which begins about a year before the Games.“Actually, qualifying for the Olympics in badminton is one of the most difficult things compared to many other sports. So the pace and intensity of the competition will increase a lot. Players have to be ready for it and keep improving,” she said.
