Lakshya Sen tells PM Modi: 'Prakash sir took my phone at Paris Olympics'

Lakshya Sen tells PM Modi, 'Prakash sir took my phone at Paris Olympics' (PTI Photo)

India's badminton star Lakshya Sen revealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his coach, Prakash Padukone, had taken away his phone for the entire duration of the Paris Olympics. During a meeting on Independence Day in New Delhi, where PM Modi honoured the Indian athletes from the Paris Games, Lakshya shared that he had little awareness of the social media buzz surrounding him during the competition.

Prakash Padukone, who served as the head coach for India’s badminton team at the Paris Olympics, has developed a reputation for his strict approach with players. In a video of the meeting, PM Modi asked Lakshya if he was aware of the growing fan interest and hype around him. Lakshya responded by recounting the strict rules imposed by Padukone.

"Prakash Sir had taken away my phone during the matches and said I would only get it back after the matches. But yes, I received a lot of support. I would like to say that the Paris Olympics was a valuable learning experience for me. It was also a bit disheartening to miss out despite coming so close. I will try my best next time," Lakshya told PM Modi.

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August 15, 2024

PM Modi responded on a lighter note, “If Prakash Sir is so strict, I will send him next time too.”

Despite receiving high praise from fans and his semi-final opponent, the World Number 1 Viktor Axelsen, Lakshya did not secure a medal at the Paris Olympics. Padukone had openly expressed his frustration over Lakshya's near miss and emphasised the need for athletes to take responsibility.

India approached the Paris Olympics with high expectations in badminton, hoping to secure more than one medal. The Asian Games champions, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, were anticipated to win a historic Gold medal, while PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, and Lakshya Sen were all contenders in the singles events.

A total of seven shuttlers travelled to Paris with high hopes, but Lakshya, who was the last to qualify for the Games, advanced the furthest.