Coach Guidance: Lakshya Sen’s Path to Redemption

By sahiba
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: January 19, 2024
158

The article delves into Lakshya Sen’s recent performance struggles on the BWF World Tour, focusing on his mental challenges and efforts to regain form. Coach Vimal Kumar shares insights on Lakshya’s current state, emphasizing the mental aspect of his game and the need for self-discovery to overcome the ongoing slump.

Lakshya Sen, a promising 22-year-old badminton player, has faced a notable downturn in his performance since winning a Super 500 title at the Canada Open in July. The article highlights his string of seven consecutive first-round exits and examines the complexities behind his recent struggles.

In a recent defeat at the India Open Super 750 against compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat, Lakshya faced yet another setback, sparking questions about how he can navigate through this challenging period. Childhood coach Vimal Kumar sheds light on the situation, stating that Lakshya’s issues are more mental than physical.

While Lakshya remains injury-free and continues to train well, his recent struggles have been attributed to a decline in confidence and a deviation from his optimal playing style. Coach Kumar acknowledges that Lakshya’s game is suffering due to impatience and a lack of variation, particularly in slow playing conditions. The player’s anxiety further compounds the challenges he faces on the court.

The article explores the potential solutions to Lakshya’s slump, with coach Kumar stressing the importance of stringing together some wins to boost confidence. Despite participating in the Nationals in December as a warm-up event, Lakshya’s struggles persisted, indicating a need for a more sustained improvement.

Vimal Kumar encourages Lakshya to find solutions independently, recognizing that the key lies in applying himself effectively during crucial moments. He suggests that seeking the assistance of a sports psychologist, currently in the form of Gayatri Varthak, should become a more regular and integral part of Lakshya’s routine.

Addressing the absence of a regular coach in Lakshya’s team, the article discusses plans for Coach Kumar to accompany him for upcoming tournaments, potentially involving Prakash Padukone as a mentor. However, there are no immediate plans for a new coach, given the proximity to the Olympics.

Coach Kumar advises Lakshya to focus on simplifying his game and returning to the basics that define his playing style. He emphasizes the importance of calmly navigating through challenges without succumbing to desperation, cautioning against over-coaching during difficult situations.

Despite the current phase being described as the worst in Lakshya’s career, Coach Kumar expresses confidence in his ability to find a way out. He believes that simplifying the game, sticking to the basics, and rediscovering the joy of playing will be instrumental in helping Lakshya overcome this challenging period.

As the BWF calendar remains packed, with the Indonesia Masters Super 500 approaching, the article underscores the urgency for Lakshya to break the first-round exit streak and regain his form ahead of the Olympics. In essence, it encapsulates the journey of a young athlete navigating through a mental slump, with the hope of emerging stronger and more resilient.

For More Related Updates Please Visit Our Official Website
By- Sahiba Suri