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
