"As a country, we can expect more medals than last time" - Lakshya Sen ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024

The upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 will be a special one for 22-year-old badminton star Lakshya Sen, as he's set to make his debut on the Olympic stage with the hopes of a nation behind him.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist is no stranger to the enormity of the situation, calling it the ‘biggest tournament’ of his life. However, Sen, who won a gold medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics, is hopeful that the seven-member strong Indian badminton contingent will deliver a better tally of medals than earlier.

“I think we have a really strong contingent, and also especially in badminton, where all the players who are participating have a good fair chance of winning a medal,” Lakshya said in a media interaction.

“Overall, the whole contingent looks strong, and yes, I feel as a country, we can expect more medals than last time, and also some better performances.”

Lakshya Sen is focused on making his Olympic debut in style and emulating his past performances that saw him emerge victorious at the Commonwealth Games and the Thomas Cup trophy in 2022.

“As of now, it's my first Olympics. So I'm really excited and excited to be part of this one. And yeah, looking forward to giving my best at the (Paris) Olympics,” Lakshya Sen said.

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"Consistently play well in all matches" - Lakshya Sen on Paris Olympics 2024 goals

Despite being hopeful of a strong performance by the badminton contingent, Lakshya Sen is under no illusion that it will be an easy task.

“Everyone will try to bring their A-game (to Paris). I think I'm also preparing the same way that I have to be at my very, very best. I have to consistently play well in all the matches to win,” he said.

However, he will look to use his previous winning experiences to gain an advantage at the Paris Olympics 2024.

“As of now, I have the experience from (2022) Commonwealth Games and the (2022) Asian Games. I think it is somewhat similar kind of vibe in the tournament arena and at the (Olympic) village,” Lakshya said.

“But yeah, I think, overall, this is the biggest tournament of my life so far. So I'm really focused and really looking forward to playing in such a big event.”

However, having a badminton contingent with experienced veterans is a plus point for the 22-year-old.

“A lot of seniors are in the team who I can really go and talk to and know more about the tournament. They are always there to help. So overall, (I’m) looking forward to being at the (Olympic) village, being at the tournament, and living that experience,” Lakshya Sen told the media.