Vimal Kumar on Lakshya Sen’s All England Open Performance: ‘Resilience the Biggest Positive’ Lakshya Sen’s performance at the All England Open, despite a final defeat to Lin Chun-Yi, highlighted his resilience and determination, according to his mentor Vimal Kumar. Kumar praised Sen’s ability to fight for every point during the tournament, even when physical fatigue and slower movements hindered his usual pace. “What impressed me the most was his intent—he kept digging in and fighting for every point,” Kumar said, emphasizing that this resilience became the defining trait of Sen’s game during the event. Sen’s semifinal victory over Victor Lai showcased his fighting spirit, but the final against Lin Chun-Yi proved challenging. Kumar noted that muscle fatigue limited Sen’s ability to deliver his powerful smashes in the later stages of the match, though he defended exceptionally well against one of the world’s most aggressive players. “It’s a tough loss, but a very brave effort,” Kumar remarked, acknowledging Sen’s opportunity to take the second game but ultimately falling short. The loss comes after a difficult period for Sen at the Paris Olympics, where he missed out on a medal after being in a winning position. His father and first coach, DK Sen, shared the emotional impact of that moment, calling it “the most painful moment for us.” However, they expressed faith in Sen’s eventual success, stating, “We believe in God and he decides when to give and what to give. We are still waiting for that moment.” Kumar credited Sen’s strong support team for helping him recover from the Olympic setback. The Korean coach, along with a dedicated physio, trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and consistent guidance from his father, played a crucial role in Sen’s resurgence.#all_england_open #lakshya_sen #vimal_kumar #dk_sen #pullela_gopichand
All England Open: A Heartbreaking Loss with a Silver Lining That Gives Hope Lakshya Sen’s remarkable journey at the All England Open Badminton Championships came to an end in heartbreaking fashion on March 8, 2026, as the Indian shuttler fell to Taiwan’s Lin Chun-Yi in the men’s singles final. The loss marked another close call for Lakshya, who had already faced disappointment in the 2022 final against then World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen. Despite delivering one of his most impressive performances of the year, the 24-year-old could not secure the title, extending India’s wait for an All England men’s singles champion beyond two decades. The tournament, held in Birmingham, England, saw Lakshya overcome a grueling schedule and physical challenges to reach the final. Entering the summit clash, he had already navigated a challenging path through the draw, defeating top-ranked players and overcoming fatigue, blisters, and cramps. His run included a stunning upset of World No. 1 Shi Yuqi, a gritty comeback against Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long Angus, a tactically sound victory over China’s Li Shifeng, and a marathon semifinal against Canada’s Victor Lai. Each match tested his endurance and mental resilience, culminating in a final that left him narrowly short of history. Lakshya’s journey began with a dramatic opening-round clash against Shi Yuqi, where he pulled off a thrilling 23-21, 19-21, 21-17 victory. The match, lasting 78 minutes, showcased his ability to exploit Yuqi’s weaknesses, using deceptive wristwork and late changes of direction to disrupt the world champion’s rhythm. Yuqi later admitted he was not at his physical best, citing limited preparation for the tournament. The second round brought another formidable challenge in the form of Ng Ka Long Angus, who had a 3-0 head-to-head record against Lakshya.#all_england_open #lakshya_sen #lin_chun_yi #shiyuqi #victor_lai
Lakshya Sen Advances to Men's Singles Quarterfinals with Hard-Fought Victory Over Ng Ka Long Angus Lakshya Sen, the world No. 12 seed, delivered a determined performance to defeat Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long Angus in a thrilling round-of-16 clash at the All England Open Badminton Championships on Thursday (March 5, 2026). The Indian shuttler, a 2021 World Championships bronze medallist and 2022 finalist, overcame a challenging match to secure a 21-19, 21-23, 21-10 victory, advancing to the quarterfinals where he will face either China’s Li Shi Feng or Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen. Sen acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter, reflecting on his tactical adjustments and mental resilience. “It was a very solid game, and I think both sets were competitive,” he said. “I didn’t play freely in the second set and gave too many easy shots for him to capitalize on.” Despite the setback, Sen emphasized his preparation for the third set, stating, “I was ready to go all out and happy with how I played in the final set.” He credited his focus on maintaining the same game plan as the key to his success. The match began with Sen facing an uphill battle, having lost all three previous encounters against Ng Ka Long. The Hong Kong player, a former world top 10 player, took an early 4-6 lead in the first game. However, Sen fought back, using aggressive returns and precise placement to reclaim control, eventually leading 15-11. A well-timed overhead attack extended his advantage to 17-13, though Ng Ka Long refused to surrender, closing the gap late in the game. Sen sealed the set with a decisive cross-court smash after Ng Ka Long hit wide. The second set saw Ng Ka Long mount a spirited comeback.#lakshya_sen #ng_ka_long_angus #all_england_open_badminton_championships #li_shi_feng #nhat_nguyen
Lakshya Sen Defeats World No. 1 Shi Yuqi in Thrilling All England Clash The All England Badminton Championships kicked off in Birmingham on March 3, 2026, with a dramatic opening-round encounter in the Men’s Singles category. Indian player Lakshya Sen stunned the world by defeating top-ranked Chinese star Shi Yuqi, the reigning champion and current world number one, in a tightly contested three-game match. Sen secured victories with scores of 23-21, 19-21, and 21-17, showcasing his resilience and tactical prowess against a formidable opponent. The result marks a significant milestone for Sen, who now progresses to the Round of 16, where he will face Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long Angus in the next stage of the tournament. The match, which took place in the evening of March 3, was characterized by intense rallies and strategic exchanges, with both players demonstrating high-level skill and determination. Shi Yuqi, known for her aggressive playstyle, initially took control of the first set, but Sen’s ability to adapt and capitalize on key moments proved decisive. The second set saw a dramatic turnaround as Sen clawed back to level the series, setting the stage for a thrilling final game. His composure in the third set ultimately sealed his victory, sending shockwaves through the badminton community. Sen’s triumph highlights his growing reputation as a top-tier competitor on the global stage. The 20-year-old Indian player has been steadily climbing the rankings, and this win against a world No. 1 further cements his status as a serious contender in the sport. The upcoming Round of 16 match against Ng Ka Long Angus will test Sen’s ability to maintain his focus and intensity, as the competition continues to intensify.#birmingham #lakshya_sen #shi_yuqi #all_england_badminton_championships #ng_ka_long_angus
