“Prakash Sir was strict, next time…”: PM Narendra Modi to Lakshya Sen at Olympics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and congratulated Indian athletes of the Paris Olympics on Independence Day at his residence on Thursday. During the meeting, PM Modi interacted with several athletes, including star player Lakshya Sen. Lakshya, who made his Olympic debut in Paris, lost the bronze medal match to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in three games. After Lakshya failed to win a medal, Prakash Padukone, chief coach of the Indian badminton contingent, was critical of the shuttlers’ performance at the Paris Olympics, saying they should take responsibility.

However, during the light-hearted chat with Prime Minister Modi, Lakshya revealed that coach Prakash (Padukone) used to take his phone with him during the matches to help him concentrate better.

“Prakash Sir took my phone away during the matches and said he would get it back only after the matches were over,” Lakshya told Prime Minister Modi.

On a lighter note, Prime Minister Modi told Lakshya, “Prakash (Padukone) sir was so disciplined and strict, he will send him to the next Olympics as well.”

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Indian contingent that participated in #Paris Olympic Games2024in his residence.

He said, “…It’s an honour to have you all here… PR Sreejesh proved why he is known as ‘The Wall’. Everyone who won a medal and even those who lost due to… photo.twitter.com/8XMThnk67F

—ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2024

Sen, made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semi-finals in men’s badminton at the Olympics. He topped his group with victories over top players like Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie and compatriot HS Prannoy in the round of 16.

He also surprised Chou Tien-chen in the quarterfinals. But he failed to win his first Olympic medal after losing in the semifinals to world number 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.

Sen reflected on the overall support he received, saying: “It was heartbreaking to come so close to winning and ultimately just miss out.”

Prime Minister Modi then gave encouraging words to a shuttler from Almora, saying, “It would have been great if you came back with a medal, but still you played well. But people are watching with excitement, not only from abroad, but children in our country are also inspired by how well you played in the Olympics.”

Sen concluded his speech by expressing his determination to continue improving his game, training hard and being an inspiration to young badminton players in India.

(With IANS input)