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Leading 19-18 in the first game of a crucial match against medal favorite Jonatan Christie, India’s Lakshya Sen pulled off an incredible shot. Despite being outplayed by the World No. 4, Lakshya’s remarkable move managed to be the most talked-about moment for Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Even though the shuttle had already passed him, Lakshya Sen managed to reach it with his hands and make a brilliant shot to win the rally, taking a 1-0 lead in his crucial match. The incredible play quickly went viral on social media, with fans creating memes comparing it to Virat Kohli’s famous six off Haris Rauff during the 2022 T20 World Cup at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Kohli’s shot was incredible. With India needing 28 runs off 8 balls, he hit a back-of-a-length delivery from Rauf straight over his head for a six, which was truly astonishing. Lakshya's behind-the-back flick shot was just as unbelievable.
“Why not!” Lakshya responded when asked about being compared to Virat Kohli. "I mean, at the same time he (Kohli) has done a lot for Indian cricket and yes, I want to be the Virat Kohli of Indian badminton in the coming years," he added.
He also added that, "I was just looking to retrieve, thinking I will play an attacking shot when I get a chance. I played that shot with the same mindset. Because at 19-18, I didn't want to let the shuttle go. I saw the shuttle going behind my head so the only way I could reach it was like that."
Lakshya Sen defeated Jonatan Christie and then overcame Chou Tien-Chen in the quarterfinals, making history as the first Indian to reach the men's singles semi-final at the Games. Unfortunately, he fell short against defending champion Viktor Axelsen despite holding a solid lead in both games of the semi-final. In the bronze medal match, Lakshya lost to Malaysia's Lee Zia Jia.