Sen, a bronze medalist at the 2021 World Championships, was one of the architects of India's spectacular Thomas Cup victory in May of last year...
Digital Desk: Lakshya Sen, a rising star, believes India, the Thomas Cup champions, will win men's team gold at the Asian Games, and he hopes to meet teammate and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra during the quadrennial event.
Sen, a bronze medalist in the 2021 World Championships, was one of the architects of India's spectacular Thomas Cup victory in May of last year. He believes India will be a strong contender for gold at the Asian Games.
"Definitely, the team is looking really good. We're sending the same team that won the Thomas Cup, so we're going as world champions. I think the players who play against us understand that it is not easy (to defeat India) because we can beat any team in the world," Sen remarked.
Sen emphasised the importance of teamwork at the Asian Games. "To do well there, we'll need a good, collective effort. The entire team is optimistic and we're hoping for a good outcome," Sen remarked.
The 22-year-old Almora native, who won silver at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will compete only in the team championships at the showpiece's 19th edition.
"This will be my first Asian Games experience. It has a similar vibe to the Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics'" he stated.
"So I'm looking ahead to the event, and I'll also get to meet other Indian and foreign athletes and learn about their sports and lives," Sen said.
Sen, who is right now ranked world no. 11, did not compete in the Asian Games individual event after losing to Kidambi Srikanth in the selection trials in May of this year.
The Indian players, who did not have time to train extensively due to their hectic international schedule, are polishing their talents in a week-long camp in Hyderabad.
'This time, several major events, such as the China Super 1000 and World Championships, were inevitable.
'But we've only lately begun competing, and it's the same for everyone. The match preparation is complete, and all that remains is to perform well on the day.
'It's like a high-pressure tournament, and a lot of people in India value the Asian Games. So I'm going (to the Asian Games) with full determination and hoping for the best,' he added.
The team tournament in badminton will begin on September 28.
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