Prakash Padukone Slams Players: “High Time players, Step up” as Lakshya Sen loses Finals at Paris Olympics 2024
Prakash Padukone urged players to take responsibility of their actions after Lakshya Sen’s loss. Claimed the government and Authorities helped every bit but now it is “High Time for players to step up”
Following India’s loss, Prakash Padukone, coach and mentor of the India Badminton Team expressed his agitation towards the players stating “High-time players, Step up” Lakshya Sen’s disheartening loss with Lee Zii Jia has confirmed the loss of Team India from the game and their bad luck in winning the medal at Paris Olympics 2024.
Prakash Padukone was extremely disheartened to see his team unable to qualify for the win and stated every support is provided to the players, unlike the earlier times when they lacked resources. Hence, it is expected that the players to maximize their potential and win
Sen has been an excellent player and owned the title of best Shuttler. He was also the first Indian to reach the Men's Singles semifinals.
Lakshya Sen dominated the game with 21-13 ratio. However, Lee Zii Jia made a strong comeback with 11-21.
As per Prakash Padukone, “He played well but of course, I am a little disappointed, he could not finish it yesterday too, he was in a winning position in the first game, and could have probably made a difference yesterday itself. After winning the first game he was leading 8-3 today, he has always been a little uncomfortable playing on the faster side so he has to work on that,” concluded Padukone.
India witnessed an extraordinary domination with Malaysia as it was a tie of 1-1. Despite Sen’s immersive performance in the initial matches, his campaign ended during his Paris Olympics finals in 2024. Prakash further added that the Government and Authorities did everything possible but it is time for the players to take responsibility for their actions.