Rajawat Secures Victory Over Former Champion Lakshya Sen in Thrilling Badminton Battle
In a riveting badminton encounter at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the 21-year-old Indian shuttler, Rajawat, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination as he clashed with former champion Lakshya Sen. Both Sen and Rajawat, considered among the country’s top badminton talents, have faced a recent decline in their performance.
Lakshya Sen, the Commonwealth Games champion, struggled to regain his form after recovering from a deviated nasal septum surgery in early 2023. While showing glimpses of his previous prowess, Sen endured a challenging period with seven consecutive first-round losses in individual events following the 2023 World Championships.
In their recent encounter, Rajawat showcased a remarkable comeback after losing the first game, ultimately defeating Lakshya Sen 16-21, 21-16, 21-13 in a thrilling contest lasting an hour and 15 minutes. Rajawat’s victory propels him into the second round of the prestigious $850,000 tournament, marking a significant achievement in his badminton journey.
The 21-year-old shuttler expressed the importance of the match, highlighting the positive changes in his performance. Rajawat acknowledged Sen as a friend and stated, “This was an important and good match for me after a long time. Lakshya is like my brother. I can see a good change in my performance.”
While both players have faced challenges in recent tournaments, Rajawat attributed his dip in form to a back injury sustained after the Orleans Masters victory in April 2023. Following a break to recover, Rajawat returned to the court with renewed determination.
In the match against Sen, Rajawat initially faced intimidation but displayed agility and strategic prowess. The shuttler from Dhar in Madhya Pradesh effectively countered Sen’s shots, varying his pace and securing crucial points. The victory over the experienced Sen marked a significant milestone for Rajawat, setting the stage for his upcoming challenges in the tournament.
Sen, reflecting on his performance, expressed his struggle to consistently play his natural game, emphasizing the need to work on playing patiently for the right chances. Despite his athletic skills and determination, Sen faced challenges in executing his strategy, ultimately succumbing to Rajawat’s varied and well-timed shots.
The loss to Rajawat opens up the competition for the second Olympic spot, with two Indians having the opportunity to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics if ranked in the top 16 by April 30. While HS Prannoy remains the frontrunner at world No.9, the battle for the Olympic spot intensifies, with players like Sen, former world No.1 Srikanth, and Rajawat vying for the coveted opportunity.
Rajawat’s next challenge in Round 2 involves facing another Indian contender, the eighth seed Prannoy, who secured a victory against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen in a dominant display with a scoreline of 21-6, 21-19. As the badminton tournament unfolds, the competition promises more gripping matches and exciting prospects for Indian shuttlers aiming for success on the international stage.
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