In the vibrant tapestry of Indian sports, where cricket often overshadows other athletic pursuits, emerges a name that resonates with the same fervor and ambition as cricket’s most celebrated figures – Lakshya Sen. Born on August 16, 2001, in Almora, Uttarakhand, Sen has swiftly climbed the ranks of international badminton, not just with his racket skills but with an ambition that mirrors that of cricket’s modern-day legend, Virat Kohli.
Lakshya Sen’s journey in badminton has been nothing short of spectacular. From clinching the bronze at the 2016 Junior Asian Championships to becoming the world junior No. 1, his ascent has been marked by consistency and a relentless drive for excellence. His breakthrough in the senior circuit came with the gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a historic bronze at the 2021 World Championships, showcasing his mettle on the global stage. However, it’s his recent statements that have drawn parallels with Virat Kohli, not just in sporting achievements but in the philosophy of success.
In various interviews and posts across social media, particularly on X, Lakshya Sen has expressed his admiration for Kohli, often stating his desire to be the “Virat Kohli of badminton.” This aspiration isn’t just about mirroring Kohli’s cricketing achievements but embodies a broader vision of transforming the landscape of Indian badminton through personal excellence, much like Kohli has done for cricket. Kohli’s impact on cricket isn’t merely through his runs but through his fitness regime, mental toughness, and the way he has inspired a generation to take up the sport seriously. Sen, in a similar vein, aims to redefine what it means to be a badminton player in India.
“I want to be the Virat Kohli of Indian badminton in the coming years – he has done a lot for Indian cricket”. Sen SaidÂ
The comparison isn’t superficial. Both Virat Kohli Kohli and Lakshya Sen share an intense work ethic, a trait that has been well-documented in Kohli’s fitness routines and Sen’s rigorous training schedules. Kohli’s transformation from a talented youngster to a global cricket icon involved not just skill enhancement but a complete overhaul of his physical and mental conditioning. Sen, too, has embraced this holistic approach, evident from his improved stamina and tactical gameplay, which has seen him compete at the highest levels without faltering.
Sen’s admiration for Kohli also reflects in his approach to pressure. Kohli’s ability to perform under the spotlight, often turning pressure into performance, has been a hallmark of his career. Sen, in his own right, has shown this in critical matches, where his composure and strategic gameplay have often turned the tide in his favor. This mental resilience, a trait Kohli is celebrated for, is what Sen aspires to emulate, aiming to make it a standard for upcoming badminton players in India.
Moreover, Kohli’s influence extends beyond the cricket field, with his brand of leadership, discipline, and passion for the sport inspiring many. Sen, through his performances and public persona, seems to be carving a similar path. His interactions with fans, his commitment to fitness, and his approach to every match with the intent to dominate, all echo Kohli’s ethos.
The posts on X, where Sen has openly discussed his admiration for Kohli, not only highlight his personal goals but also serve as a beacon for young athletes in India. They encourage a culture where sportsmanship, hard work, and excellence are celebrated across all sports, not just cricket.
Lakshya Sen’s journey, while still unfolding, carries the promise of not just personal glory but of elevating badminton in India to new heights, much like Kohli has done for cricket. His ambition to be the “Virat Kohli of badminton” is not just about winning titles but about inspiring a generation, changing the narrative around sports in India, and proving that with dedication and the right mindset, any sport can become a platform for national pride and individual excellence. As Sen continues to soar, his story intertwines with Kohli’s legacy, promising a future where Indian sports are defined not by one sport but by the spirit of its athletes.
