In an eventful Paris Olympics 2023, the Indian contingent has so far bagged three bronze medals, all in shooting events. However, the count could have been more had it not been for the agonising margins and close losses faced by multiple athletes. Former India hockey player Viren Rasquinha highlights the importance of showing empathy towards these athletes during such trying times, while also acknowledging the players' responsibility to perform when it matters the most, as stated by badminton legend Prakash Padukone.
After India's badminton contingent's underwhelming performance at Paris Olympics, Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone has criticized the players for blaming federations and government instead of taking responsibility. While star shuttlers PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen were among the medal contenders, they failed to deliver and India's streak of winning a badminton medal at each Olympics since London 2012 ended. Padukone believes the players need to introspect and ask themselves if they are working hard enough to reach their desired results.
22-year-old Indian shuttler, Lakshya Sen, achieved a remarkable victory in the Paris Olympics by reaching the semi-finals, making history as the first Indian man to do so. Sen displayed exceptional resilience as he overcame a first-game loss to defeat Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen in a grueling match lasting an hour and 15 minutes. With a chance to secure a medal in his debut Olympic appearance, Sen now faces a tough challenge against either the current Olympic champion from Denmark or a rising star from Singapore.
In a thrilling first-round match at the French Open Super 750 tournament, Indian badminton sensation PV Sindhu emerged victorious against her opponent Michelle Li in a nail-biting three-game battle. With guidance from legendary coaches Prakash Padukone and Agus Dwi Santoso, Sindhu displayed determination and skill to overcome Li's sharp attacks and secure her triumphant return to the BWF circuit. Meanwhile, fellow Indian shuttler HS Prannoy met an early exit from the tournament after a defeat to China's Lu Guang Zu.