Lakshya Sen awaits doctor's nod for Thailand Open after Thomas Cup elbow injury
Synopsis
Lakshya Sen's race to the Thailand Open hinges on an MRI verdict. The Paris Olympic bronze medallist revealed how adrenaline during his Thomas Cup quarterfinal masked a potentially serious elbow injury—one that forced him to miss India's semifinal and cost the 2022 champions a shot at gold. Doctors warned that playing now risks long-term damage.
Key Takeaways
Lakshya Sen sustained an elbow injury during his Thomas Cup Finals quarterfinal against Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien-chen .
High adrenaline levels during the match initially masked the severity of the injury.
9 missed India's semifinal following a collective decision with the medical team.
India clinched a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup , with Lakshya's absence a significant factor in the campaign.
Lakshya awaits medical clearance for the Thailand Open (scheduled 12–17 May ) and is currently at 60–70 per cent fitness, according to doctors.
Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen, the Paris Olympic bronze medallist, is in a race against time to secure medical clearance for the Thailand Open (scheduled 12–17 May) after sustaining an elbow injury during the Thomas Cup Finals. The World No. 9 revealed on Tuesday that his participation hinges entirely on the results of recent MRI scans and his doctor's assessment.
Speaking during a press conference facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Lakshya detailed how high adrenaline levels during his quarterfinal clash against Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien-chen initially masked the severity of the damage. "I just came back last night, and I did some scans in the morning as well. I'll now go to the doctor and then have a word with him and then decide on how to go about the tournament," he said.
When the injury occurred and why it went unnoticed
The injury struck during the first set of his quarterfinal match. "I couldn't realise it at that time. It hurt for the next 2–3 points when I dived. But after that, I completely forgot, and the adrenaline was so high that I couldn't focus on that," Lakshya explained. His coach observed the swelling during the match but chose not to inform him immediately to preserve his concentration.
Swelling and medical warning
The true extent of the damage became apparent only after the match concluded and his body cooled down. "Immediately after the match, when I went back, I saw my elbow was swollen," he recounted. The situation deteriorated further, with redness developing around the affected area, prompting immediate consultation with the medical team.
Doctors issued a stark warning: playing at full intensity could risk long-term damage. "They said it is looking quite bad, and I don't think you will be able to play your 100 per cent. Maybe if you still want to play, you will be around 60–70 per cent. But there are chances that it can get worse because we don't know what has happened inside right now, because the swelling is too much," Lakshya said, citing the medical team's assessment.
Impact on India's campaign
Lakshya's absence in the semifinal proved a significant blow to India's chances. Despite his desire to continue competing for the national side, he eventually sat out subsequent matches following a collective decision with the medical staff. India ultimately returned home with a bronze medal—the 2022 champions' first podium finish at the championships in three years.
The road ahead
Lakshya expressed his commitment to the national cause, stating that the decision to withdraw was made collaboratively. "With the physios and the doctor, it was a collective decision. I tried until the very end to try and play the match, but it was not possible," he concluded. His medical clearance for the Thailand Open is expected within days, with the tournament beginning on 12 May.
Point of View
Though medically sound, highlights India's thin depth in men's singles at the highest level. The Thomas Cup bronze was hard-won, but at what cost to a player who still has his best years ahead? The next 48 hours—and the doctor's verdict—will define whether this is a cautious pause or the beginning of a longer layoff.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Lakshya Sen sustain at the Thomas Cup Finals?
Lakshya sustained an elbow injury during his quarterfinal match against Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien-chen. High adrenaline levels during the match initially masked the severity, but post-match swelling and redness prompted medical intervention.
Why did Lakshya continue playing despite the injury?
Lakshya did not immediately realise the severity of the injury due to high adrenaline during the match. Although it hurt for 2–3 points, he lost focus on the pain and continued competing. His coach observed the swelling but did not inform him to preserve his concentration.
Will Lakshya Sen play in the Thailand Open?
Lakshya's participation in the Thailand Open (12–17 May) depends on his doctor's clearance following recent MRI scans. He is currently awaiting the medical team's verdict and is expected to make a decision within days.
How did Lakshya's injury affect India's Thomas Cup campaign?
Lakshya's absence in the semifinal proved a significant blow to India's chances. He sat out subsequent matches following a collective decision with the medical team. India ultimately clinched a bronze medal, finishing third at the championships.
What did doctors say about Lakshya's fitness level?
Doctors warned that playing at full intensity could risk long-term damage. They assessed that Lakshya would be operating at only 60–70 per cent fitness if he continued, with potential for further deterioration due to the extent of swelling.
