Lakshya Sen Shines at Australia Open, Earning Praise from Peter Gade

Lakshya Sen's Triumph at the Australia Open

New Delhi, November 23: Former Danish badminton player Peter Gade has lauded India's Lakshya Sen following his impressive victory at the Australia Open men's singles, where he defeated Japan's Yushi Tanaka with scores of 21-15, 21-11. This victory marks Lakshya's first title in the 2025 BWF World Tour, signaling a strong comeback for the young athlete.

In response to Lakshya's success, Gade expressed his admiration for the Indian player's tenacity and spirit. He stated, “Firstly, congratulations! It’s wonderful to see him back on the podium. I know it has been a challenging journey for him. He has immense potential, and despite the ups and downs, he has persevered. His team deserves credit for their support, and I believe this victory will boost his confidence for future major events, including the World Championships at home.”

With his win at the Australian Open Super 500 event in Sydney, Lakshya earned a prize of USD 475,000. He showcased exceptional skill during the final, dominating Tanaka in a match that lasted just 38 minutes.

Tanaka, who has previously won two Super 300 titles this year, was outmatched by Lakshya, who displayed remarkable control, quick reflexes, and precise shot placement, finishing the match without losing a single set.

Previously, Lakshya had secured a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships and won a Super 300 title at the Syed Modi International in Lucknow in 2024. After a successful run at the Canada Open in 2024, he faced some challenges this year, including a runner-up finish at the Hong Kong Super 500 in September.

With this victory, Lakshya becomes only the second Indian player to win a title in the current BWF World Tour.

Discussing the future of Indian badminton, Gade emphasized the need for nurturing young talent from an early age. He remarked, “There are many promising players, and I aim to motivate them to invest in and enjoy the sport. A strong foundation in their early years can lead to significant achievements in the future.”

Gade also highlighted the mindset necessary for becoming a champion, referencing India's rich history in badminton. He noted, “With champions like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Prakash Padukone, it’s clear that success is attainable. Indian players must believe in themselves, and a solid foundation is crucial for reaching the highest levels.”

As India prepares to host the World Championships, Gade expressed hope that players would approach the event with confidence. “Playing at home will be a significant challenge, but I hope they view it as an advantage, benefiting from the crowd's support and media attention. It’s important that they feel supported rather than pressured,” he added.

New Delhi is set to host the BWF World Championships in 2026, marking its return to India after 17 years.