Introduction: A Year of Triumphs and Trials
For Lakshya Sen, 2025 tested his body and mind. As a top Indian badminton player, he dealt with injuries that made him doubt a full return. Still, he won a Super 500 title to close the year. Recovery was tough, with doubts heavy. In an open chat with The Indian Express, Sen shares his fights, rally thoughts, coach tips, and lessons from his hardest loss.
The Road to Recovery: Dealing with Doubts
The Worst Day of 2025
Sen’s worst day hit early, with small injuries like a bad back hurting his play. “I wondered if I could get back to my best,” he says. These doubts and limits frustrated him a lot. Not knowing if he’d return strong was the toughest bit.
Facing the Challenges: Injuries and Uncertainty
Injuries come for athletes, but the unknown recovery hit Sen hard. “It’s more than pain,” he notes. “Wondering about time, full speed return, and not playing top level is rough.” Hard training and rehab felt limited, a mind battle. But he kept going. Trusting the steps led to form back and the Super 500 win late in the season.
Mastering the Mind: Strategy and Mental Toughness
Defensive Mastery in Long Rallies
Sen shines in defense during long rallies. He stays in, takes hits, and waits to strike. “I stay patient,” he explains. “Expect the shuttle back, defend, then attack at right times.” It’s not all smashes; make foes work and err.
The Art of the Dive: Training for Recovery
Sen’s dives keep rallies alive, not for show. “Minimize risk, stretch, recover,” he says. But he trains to skip dives. “Work on footwork to reach on feet, not scramble.” Diving is natural, but for long career, cut injury risks as he ages.
Coach’s Advice: Focus on the Process
Sen thanks coach Yoo Yong-sung for support. At Australian Open win, Yoo said: “One point at a time.” “Focus on process, not score,” Sen recalls. This kept him calm in key spots, like leading in set two. “Stay sharp,” Yoo added. Words helped precise play.
Overcoming Disappointment: The Toughest Loss of the Year
Sen’s hardest loss was Hong Kong final to China’s Li Shifeng. “Big test,” he says. “Long points, chances, but couldn’t finish.” It hurt, but taught pressure handling and closing matches.
Humor Amidst the Struggles
Sen kept humor. After Australian Open win, he laughed at medal mix-up where Chen Tang Jie got “men’s singles” one. “I checked mine quick. Got right one. Maybe extra medals made all winners!” Shows positive view in tough times.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Sen’s 2025 mixed wins and hurdles. From injuries to defense mastery and Super 500 title, he showed grit. Ahead, he aims to grow, hone skills, learn from all. With coach and mindset, Sen will keep shining in badminton.
