Beleaguered Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen will reach Paris early ahead of the World Championships in August and train at their National Centre, INSEP (National Institute of Sport, Expertise & Performance).
Sen hasn’t quite made the quarterfinals on the circuit in recent months, but believes that his preparation has been steadfast after emerging from a tough few months, dealing with shoulder and back injuries. He is hopeful of continuing a good tryst with Paris where he made the bronze playoffs at the 2024 Olympics.
“Overall I’ve done good work recently. Few more weeks of good training and preparation before we get to the World Championship,” he told BWF. “It’s one of the good, more suited stadiums to my game. I’m extra motivated for the World Championship. It’s a good place to play, good conditions, I’ve done well before. So ya hoping I continue a good run there. Important next few months,” he said, adding, “Also going bit early to France to adjust to time zone. Will train at INSEP (National Institute of Sport, Expertise & Performance)”
Sen has sent his entry for the Macau Open but there is no clarity if he will play or skip the tournament preparing for the Worlds where he has a bronze from 2021.
He rued his missed opportunities against Li Shifeng in the opener at Chiba Open, but was happy with how he was moving around the court. “Ya it was a good match. I was playing well. Starting from the beginning had a good start. Second set I didn’t start very well. But got my rhythm back. I had two match points in my hand. But unlucky to not close in second set,” Sen tolf BWF.
“Third set I didn’t get a good start and then it was really tough to get back into the game. And he was also quite solid. After winning second set he was much more confident. And I had to put the shuttle down in the third set. But I had my chances in the second. Overall a little disappointed but looking forward to next tournament,” he said.
Sen was especially happy with his speed. “Physically I was 100 percent today. But past few months have been tough so trying to get back to full fitness..full training. Today’s match was a good example of…gave me good confidence that I can play again at the highest level with that speed again the ..past few months struggled a bit, in moving that well on the court. Happy I could move well..and just build on that,” he added.
