Lakshya Sen Attributes Victory to Mental Focus at All England Open
Synopsis
Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen shares insights on his mental strategy during the All England Open, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one match at a time. Despite facing challenges, he remains optimistic about his future in the sport.
Key Takeaways
Mental Focus: Lakshya emphasized the importance of focusing on one match at a time.
Physical Challenges: The semifinal match impacted his performance in the final due to fatigue.
Positive Outlook: Despite his loss, he sees many positives to carry forward.
Experience Matters: He felt more prepared to handle pressure in this tournament compared to 2022.
Mentorship: Prakash Padukone's guidance has been influential in his career.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen emphasized the importance of taking "one match at a time" throughout his journey in the All England Open Badminton Championships. He noted that maintaining a mental discipline allowed him to manage a challenging draw without being weighed down by outside expectations.
Lakshya, now one of only two Indian athletes to reach two All England finals, returned home with a silver medal after losing in the men’s singles final 21-15, 22-20 to Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei.
His coach, Prakash Padukone, was a finalist in the All England Championships in 1980 and 1981, winning the title in his first appearance.
When asked if the burden of national expectations ever affects a player’s performance during major tournaments, Lakshya mentioned his approach to stay focused.
"I concentrated solely on each match. I wasn’t concerned about the draw or potential opponents. My focus was entirely on my performance whenever I stepped onto the court," Lakshya stated during a virtual press briefing.
The 24-year-old shuttler also discussed the mental transition from his remarkable performance in the 2022 edition, where he first reached the final. He expressed that while he played freely without pressure last year, he felt significantly more prepared this time to handle the stress of high-stakes matches.
"In the 2022 final, I played freely and enjoyed the experience. However, this time, as I progressed through the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, I was better equipped to manage the pressure of these crucial matches. I believed I could win this time, whereas in 2022, I was simply testing my limits," the Paris Olympic semifinalist shared.
Reflecting on his defeat against Chun-Yi, Lakshya acknowledged that his semifinal match against Victor Lai, which lasted 1 hour and 37 minutes, significantly impacted his physical condition, making it challenging to perform at his peak in the final.
"The semifinal took a toll on my body, especially as I experienced cramping during the match. I did everything possible to recover for the final, but the cramping made it difficult to return to 100% the next day. My muscles endured considerable fatigue during and after the match," he elaborated.
In summarizing his overall performance, Lakshya remarked, "This week has been positive yet emotional. Although I reached the finals, I am somewhat disappointed not to win. Nonetheless, looking back at my matches, I can identify numerous positives to carry into future tournaments. The confidence gained from this experience will undoubtedly benefit me ahead."
Point of View
Lakshya Sen's journey in the All England Open exemplifies the importance of mental discipline in sports. His ability to focus on individual matches while managing external pressures showcases his growth as an athlete. The insights he shared highlight the mental fortitude required to excel at high-level competitions.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Lakshya Sen's performance at the All England Open?
Lakshya Sen reached the finals, securing a silver medal after losing to Lin Chun-Yi in the men's singles final.
How did Lakshya manage pressure during the tournament?
He focused on taking one match at a time, avoiding distractions related to potential opponents or the tournament draw.
Who is Lakshya Sen's mentor?
Lakshya's mentor is Prakash Padukone, a legendary Indian badminton player who also reached the All England finals.
What challenges did Lakshya face in the semifinal?
He faced physical challenges, particularly cramping during a lengthy semifinal match against Victor Lai.
What are Lakshya's future aspirations?
He aims to build on his experiences from this tournament and continue to improve in upcoming competitions.
