Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen has once again written his name into the history books by reaching the final of the All England Open Badminton Championships for the second time in his career.
With this achievement, Lakshya becomes only the second Indian men’s singles player to reach the All England final twice, joining the legendary Prakash Padukone, who accomplished the feat in 1980 and 1981. Lakshya’s remarkable run at the 2026 edition continued with a heroic semifinal victory over Canada’s Victor Lai, where the Indian battled through a grueling 97-minute marathon to win 21-16, 18-21, 21-15.
The victory not only propelled him into the championship match but also produced the longest men’s singles match ever recorded in All England history. Now, with one final hurdle remaining, Lakshya stands on the brink of emulating his mentor Padukone and becoming only the third Indian man to win the prestigious tournament.
Joining an Elite Indian Legacy
The All England Open holds a special place in Indian badminton history. Over the decades, only a handful of Indian men’s singles players have reached the final.
India’s notable performances at the tournament include, Prakash Nath finished runner-up in 1947, while Prakash Padukone won the title in 1980 and finished runner-up in 1981. Pullela Gopichand became champion in 2001, and Lakshya Sen reached the final in 2022 (runner-up) and again in 2026 (finalist).
Lakshya’s second appearance in the final is a testament to his growing stature on the world stage. The Indian shuttler had earlier reached the final in 2022, finishing runner-up, and also made the semifinals in 2024, further demonstrating his consistency at one of the most demanding tournaments in badminton.
A Semifinal for the Ages
Lakshya’s semifinal against Victor Lai will be remembered as one of the most dramatic encounters in the tournament’s long history.
The Indian started the match strongly, using his trademark speed and precision to control the rallies. His aggressive approach helped him secure the opening game 21-16, placing him in a commanding position. However, Lai the reigning World Championship bronze medallist responded with determination in the second game.
The Canadian increased the pace of the rallies and forced Lakshya into longer exchanges, eventually edging the game 21-18 to level the match. The decisive third game turned into a test of physical endurance. Lakshya was visibly struggling with leg cramps and a blister on his foot, yet continued to push through the intense rallies.
Drawing on remarkable mental strength, the Indian shuttler raised his level in the final stages and sealed the decider 21-15, completing an epic 97-minute battle.
Record-Breaking Match
The semifinal not only secured Lakshya’s place in the final but also set a historic record.
The 97-minute contest now stands among the longest men’s singles matches in All England history: Lakshya Sen’s 97-minute semifinal win over Victor Lai in 2026 stands among the longest matches, matching the duration of the 2006 semifinal where Lin Dan defeated Lee Chong Wei, which also lasted 97 minutes.
Close behind is Marc Zwiebler’s 96-minute first-round victory over Lee Dong Keun in 2015. The 2023 semifinal between Li Shi Feng and Anders Antonsen followed with a 95-minute battle, while Loh Kean Yew’s 93-minute first-round win over Kodai Naraoka in 2026 also ranks among the longest contests.
A Final Against Lin Chun Yi
Lakshya will now face Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun Yi in the final. Lin Chun Yi has been in impressive form throughout the tournament and will pose a serious challenge. The Taiwanese shuttler is known for his powerful attacking game and relentless pace, making the final a fascinating clash of styles.
For Lakshya, recovery will be crucial after the physically draining semifinal. With less than 24 hours before the championship match, the Indian team will focus on ensuring he is fully fit for the title clash.
Lakshya’s journey to the final inevitably brings comparisons with Prakash Padukone.
Padukone’s victory in 1980 remains one of the most iconic achievements in Indian sport, as he became the first Indian to win the All England title. Two decades later, Pullela Gopichand repeated the feat in 2001, cementing India’s legacy at the tournament. Now Lakshya stands one match away from joining that illustrious list.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
The significance of the moment cannot be overstated. Winning the All England Open is widely regarded as one of the highest honours in badminton, given its rich history dating back to 1899.
Lakshya’s final also comes on a day packed with sporting action for Indian fans. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final will also take place on the same day, creating a rare occasion where two major global finals will capture the nation’s attention simultaneously. For badminton enthusiasts, however, the focus will firmly be on Birmingham, where Lakshya Sen will attempt to script history.
One Match Away from Immortality
Lakshya Sen has already achieved something extraordinary by reaching his second All England final. His run has showcased not only his skill but also his resilience and fighting spirit. The question now is whether he can take the final step.
If Lakshya succeeds, he will join Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand as only the third Indian men’s singles player to win the All England Open, adding another glorious chapter to India’s badminton history. After a record-breaking semifinal and a tournament filled with brilliant performances, Lakshya Sen now stands just one match away from sporting immortality.
