Lakshya Sen Eyes Historic Bronze in Clash Against Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia

Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen is set to compete for a bronze medal against Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia after his loss to Viktor Axelsen in the semi-final of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Sen aims to become the first Indian male badminton player to win an Olympic medal, despite an intense semi-final defeat.

Shuttler Lakshya Sen is gearing up to fight for the bronze medal against world No. 7 Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia on Monday. This follows Sen's defeat at the hands of defending Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the men's singles semi-final at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday.

Ranked 22nd globally, Sen lost to world No. 2 Axelsen 22-20, 21-14 in a 54-minute showdown at the La Chapelle Arena. The Indian talent had control of the first game before losing his grip and initiating the second game with a strong 7-0 lead, only for Axelsen to stage a remarkable comeback and secure his second consecutive Olympic final berth.

The 22-year-old Indian shuttler could make history by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in men's badminton singles. Sen boasts a 4-1 head-to-head record against Lee Zii Jia, including a victory at the All-England Open earlier this year. Sen led the first semi-final game but eventually succumbed to Axelsen’s experience and skill, culminating in a disappointing end but leaving room for a historic bronze medal finish.