“I want to be the Virat Kohli of Indian badminton ” – Lakshya Sen

India’s badminton sensation Lakshya Sen wants to be the Virat Kohli of Indian badminton. Sen failed to bag the Bronze medal in the recently concluded Paris Olympics but impressed with his skills throughout the campaign. With it, India’s badminton campaign ended at the Games without any medals to show for it.

Sen won the opening game against Malaysia’s Lee Jii Zia convincingly by 21-13 in the Bronze medal match and took an 8-3 lead in the second game as he looked in command. But, the 22-year-old Indian once again wilted under pressure despite enjoying a healthy lead. The Malaysian shuttler won the next nine points on the bounce to keep himself in the match. 

Earlier, Sen lost the semifinal clash against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen. Sen had three game points in the opening set against the Dane but failed to convert them.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the best batters in all three forms of the game and Sen will need to come up with more consistent performances if he has to put himself on par with the Indian legend.

Lakshya Sen said on Ranveer Show podcast, “Why not! I mean at the same time, he’s done a lot for Indian cricket. Yes I want to be the Virat Kohli of Indian badminton in the coming years.”

On the other hand, Indian shooter Manu Bhaker bagged two Bronze medals at the Games and created history. The 22-year-old said it will be her honour if she gets to spend an hour with legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

Bhaker said in an interview with Cosmopolitan, “Maybe I’ll name a few of my favourites. Usain Bolt is one of them – I’ve read his book so many times and I’ve known his journey as well as I’ve watched so many of his interviews too. And then, in India, cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni sir (MS Dhoni), and Virat Kohli. It would be an honor to spend even an hour with any of them!”

Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have been an inspiration for the next generation.