Ranveer Singh supports Lakshya Sen after his loss in Paris Olympics, father-in-law Prakash Padukone shares disappointment over player's game

Lakshya Sen, the 22-year-old badminton player, faced a tough defeat in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics, a moment that has garnered significant attention and mixed reactions from prominent figures. Ranveer Singh, Bollywood superstar and Sen's ardent supporter, has shown unwavering support for the young athlete, praising his efforts and encouraging him to keep pushing forward. On the other hand, Prakash Padukone, Ranveer's father-in-law and a badminton legend, expressed a starkly different perspective, critiquing the performance and emphasizing the need for introspection and improvement.
Ranveer Singh, known for his infectious energy and positive outlook, took to social media to laud Lakshya Sen's efforts. Despite the setback, Singh highlighted Sen's historic achievement as the first Indian male shuttler to reach the Olympic semi-finals in men's badminton. Ranveer praised Lakshya's dedication and perseverance, writing, "What a player! What endurance, what agility, what a range of shots, what focus, what grit, what smarts. Scintillating badminton on display! It’s difficult to encapsulate just how brilliant he’s been at the Olympics. Missed out narrowly in a game of extremely small margins. But he’s only 22 and he is just getting started."

Singh's words were filled with admiration and encouragement, recognizing the immense potential and talent that Sen possesses. He emphasized that this loss should be seen as a stepping stone rather than a setback, encouraging Lakshya to "fight another day."

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Contrasting Ranveer Singh's supportive stance, Prakash Padukone, a trailblazer in Indian badminton, expressed his disappointment in a candid manner. Padukone, who mentored Sen throughout the Olympics, took to reporters to share his insights on the need for athletes to take responsibility for their shortcomings. He emphasized the importance of introspection and hard work, rather than blaming federations for negligence.

 
"The players need to introspect, and not just keep asking for more from the federations. They need to ask themselves whether they are working hard enough, because all of these players have their own physios and all the facilities. I don’t think any other country, including the US, has so many facilities," Padukone stated sternly.

#WATCH | Paris, France: On Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen losing the bronze medal match to Malaysia's Zii Jia Lee in Badminton Men's singles at Paris Olympics, former Badminton player Prakash Padukone says, "He played well. I am a little disappointed as he could not finish it.… pic.twitter.com/BnaWQTHz0g

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2024

He further elaborated on Sen's performance, saying, "He played well. I am a little disappointed as he could not finish it. Yesterday also he was in a winning position in the first game, it could have made a difference yesterday itself. Today also, after winning the first, he was leading 8-3 in the second. He has always been a little uncomfortable playing on the faster side or playing with the wind. He needs to work a little more on that...He was low on confidence. There are a few areas on which we definitely need to work on."

 
Padukone's remarks reflect his high expectations and the rigorous standards he believes Indian athletes should strive to meet. His critique, while harsh, is rooted in a desire to see continuous improvement and excellence in Indian badminton.

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Lakshya Sen faced Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match but was defeated with a score of 13-21, 21-16, 21-11. This defeat came after a series of intense matches, showcasing Sen's skill and determination. Despite the loss, Sen's journey to the semi-finals was a remarkable achievement, marking a significant milestone in his young career.

 
Ranveer Singh's public support and Prakash Padukone's critical perspective highlight the multifaceted nature of an athlete's journey. While Singh's encouragement serves as a morale booster, Padukone's critique provides a reality check, urging Sen to reflect on his performance and work on areas needing improvement.