Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen was defeated by Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in straight games in the men’s singles semi-final at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday.
Despite holding a 20-17 lead in the first game, Sen succumbed 20-22. He began the second game with a strong 7-0 advantage but ultimately lost 14-21 to the defending Olympic champion.
The 22-year-old will now compete against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match on Monday.
Sen, ranked world No. 22 will aim to become the first Indian male shuttler to win an individual Olympic medal and the third overall in badminton, joining Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.
As of now, India is positioned 53rd in the medal tally with three bronze medals.