BWF World Championships: Lakshya Sen Triumphs in Tense Opening Match
Amidst loud cheers at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Lakshya Sen showcased his resilience in a hard-fought opening round at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi on August 18, 2026. The 14th seed overcame an initial setback to defeat Austrian player Collins Filimon Valentine, ranked 128th, with a final score of 16-21, 21-8, 21-4.
Sen, embraced by a supportive crowd, navigated a challenging match marked by mental and environmental hurdles, particularly due to tricky wind conditions in the stadium. “There was wind in the stadium and it was the first match, so my tactics were not working… Every time I played a shot, I was scared it would go out if I gave it too much power,” he explained, reflecting on his cautious start.
The first set saw Sen struggling to find his rhythm, trailing as he grappled with the conditions and his opponent’s height advantage. However, he recalibrated his approach in the subsequent sets, which led to a significant turnaround. “In the second set, playing patiently was important because I knew it was the first round and there was a bit of pressure. I’m happy the game plan worked,” he noted.
After dropping the first game, the atmosphere intensified when a voice from the crowd urged him not to lose his first match. Sen responded by turning the tide and winning 11 consecutive points, culminating in a decisive performance that reflected the expectations of the excited fans, who celebrated the turning point as if it were a finals match.
Post-match, Sen acknowledged the electric atmosphere of the occasion, stating, “Even in the first round, I had a final-like atmosphere.” With the competition stepping up—evidenced by the early exit of fifth seed Christo Popov—Sen’s journey continues as he prepares for successive rounds against increasingly formidable opponents.
In preparation for the championships, Sen had been training at the National Centre for Excellence in Guwahati to acclimatize to various playing conditions, a strategy he credits for his growth as a player. “The main goal going there was to get used to conditions because we had a bit of time after our last tournament to prepare,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different circumstances in high-pressure matches.
As the tournament progresses, Lakshya Sen, now firmly in the spotlight, must balance the expectations placed on him with the readiness to rise to the occasion of a national champion at home.
Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn
