Lakshya Sen’s 2023 season was a breakthrough year that elevated him to the global stage.
His fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics was a historic moment for Indian badminton, solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the sport.
However, as the dust settled on his Olympic success, the young shuttler found himself grappling with a new challenge: maintaining form in the face of heightened expectations.
The post-Olympic has exposed vulnerabilities in Lakshya’s game, leading to a series of early exits that have raised questions about his ability to handle pressure and sustain his performance at the highest level.
As he nears the end of the 2024 season, the road ahead is both a challenge and an opportunity for redemption.
The Olympic High and Its Aftermath
Lakshya’s Olympic campaign was a masterclass in tactical brilliance and mental fortitude. He outplayed higher-ranked opponents with precision, tenacity, and an unrelenting hunger for success.
His performance was celebrated not just for its results but for the promise it held for the future of Indian badminton. But with great success comes great pressure.
The expectations from fans, media and the badminton fraternity have skyrocketed, and this has taken a visible toll on the young athlete.
Since returning to the tour, Lakshya has struggled to replicate his Olympic form, often losing matches from commanding positions. The inconsistency has been puzzling but not unprecedented in the world of sports, where the mental and physical demands can be overwhelming, especially after a milestone achievement.
The Factors Behind the Slump
Lakshya’s recent struggles can be traced to a combination of mental, technical, and structural challenges.
1. The Mental Block
● Pressure of Expectations:
The post-Olympic spotlight has intensified the pressure on Lakshya to deliver consistently. For a young athlete, the burden of meeting external expectations while managing internal doubts can be crippling.
● Eroded Confidence:
Consecutive losses have dented Lakshya’s self-belief, making it difficult for him to execute his game plan with conviction. The hesitation in critical moments reflects a lack of trust in his own abilities, a far cry from the fearless player who dazzled in Paris.
2. Technical Flaws
● Unforced Errors:
A recurring issue in Lakshya’s recent matches has been the tendency to commit unforced errors, particularly at crucial junctures. These errors have not only cost him points but also shifted the momentum in favor of his opponents.
● Decision-Making Under Pressure:
Badminton is as much a mental game as it is physical. In high-stakes situations, Lakshya’s shot selection has been questionable, leading to suboptimal play.
This is an area that needs immediate attention if he is to return to winning ways.
3. Coaching and Mentorship Instability
● Frequent Changes in Coaches:
Over the past few years, Lakshya has had multiple coaching changes, disrupting his training rhythm. A stable coaching setup is crucial for building consistency and addressing technical gaps.
● Lack of Mental Conditioning:
In today’s high-pressure sporting environment, mental toughness can be the difference between victory and defeat. Working with a sports psychologist could help Lakshya develop strategies to handle stress and stay focused during matches.
The Road to Recovery
Lakshya has faced slumps before and emerged stronger, most notably at the start of 2023. Following a string of seven first-round exits, he bounced back with a stellar run that not only qualified him for the Olympics but also laid the foundation for his remarkable Paris campaign.
This history of resilience is a testament to his ability to overcome challenges.
To regain his form, Lakshya needs to focus on the following areas:
1. Mental Fortitude
Building mental toughness is paramount. Whether it’s through mindfulness techniques, visualisation, or sessions with a sports psychologist, Lakshya must
learn to manage the weight of expectations and rediscover the fearless mindset that drove his earlier success.
2. Technical Refinement
Reducing unforced errors and improving decision-making under pressure should be high on the agenda. Focused training sessions, combined with match simulation exercises, can help Lakshya regain his sharpness on court.
3. Physical Fitness
Badminton demands peak physical conditioning. Maintaining his fitness levels through a structured regimen will not only improve his endurance but also enhance his mental resilience.
4. Stable Coaching Setup
A long-term relationship with a coach who understands his strengths and weaknesses can provide the consistency and strategic guidance he needs. Stability in this area can act as a foundation for his recovery.
5. Positive Mindset
Lakshya must approach each match with a renewed sense of purpose and positivity. Cultivating a mindset that sees every challenge as an opportunity will be key to rebuilding his confidence.
Opportunities on the Horizon
Despite the setbacks, the season is far from over. Lakshya has two crucial tournaments lined up: the Super 750 in China and the Syed Modi Super 300 in
India. The Super 750 presents an opportunity to test himself against the world’s best in a high-pressure environment.
A strong performance here could act as a catalyst for his return to form. Following that, the Syed Modi Super 300 offers the comfort of playing on home soil, where the support of fans could provide an emotional boost.
Ending the year on a high note at these events could not only restore his confidence but also set a positive tone for the 2025 season.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Lakshya Sen’s journey is a reminder that success in sports is not linear. The highs of Paris and the lows of his current slump are part of the same narrative—one that is still being written.
His ability to bounce back in the past suggests that he has the tools to overcome this phase.
The coming weeks will test Lakshya not just as a player but as an individual. If he can channel his inner resilience, embrace the grind, and focus on the process rather than the outcome, there’s no reason why he cannot reclaim his place among
badminton’s elite.
For now, the road ahead is challenging but full of promise—a path that could define the next chapter in Lakshya Sen’s burgeoning career.
