Lakshya Sen: Prakash Padukone sir says this is a stepping stone

Updated On: 19 January, 2022 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Ashwin Ferro

India Open champion Lakshya Sen tells mid-day that his mentor Padukone feels the New Delhi triumph is a launch pad for a busy and fruitful 2022

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Lakshya Sen during the India Open final against Loh Kean Yew on Sunday. Pic/Badminton Association Of India

Lakshya Sen is a young man of few words. Just like on a badminton court, where unnecessary rallying is not his style, he’s short and straightforward off it. When asked to rate his India Open title, claimed after beating reigning world champion Loh Kean Yew (24-22, 21-17) in New Delhi on Sunday along with the World Championship bronze he won in Spain recently, he tells mid-day: “The Worlds medal was a big medal, but this is my first BWF Super 500 title, so this is very special, it’s right up there.”

‘Extra special’

The fact that it was won at home also “makes it extra special,” but the absence of fans hurt, especially in an indoor sport like badminton where vociferous crowds can egg you on in the toughest of times. “It’s always nice to have fans in the stadium, but due to the COVID-19 situation that was not possible. I still enjoyed some good support from the few officials and staff who were around, but spectators would have been great,” says Sen, 20, a product of badminton great Prakash Padukone, who picked him up at the age of eight and has ensured a professional support system for the shuttler throughout. Padukone is obviously pretty pleased. Sen says, “I spoke to Prakash sir, we discussed the final match. We will further discuss the finer points when we meet in person later. He is happy with my performance and believes this is the perfect stepping stone to go on and do well in a busy year.”

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