Paris Olympics 2024: Day 10 Highlights
Lakshya Sen's Semi-Final Clash
Today, the spotlight is on Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen, who faced off against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles semifinals. Despite a valiant effort, Sen lost the match with scores of 20-22 and 14-21. Sen's performance displayed skill and sheer determination, but Axelsen's experience and tactical prowess proved overwhelming. This defeat drops Sen into the bronze match against Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia, a high-stakes game that could see him make history as the first Indian male shuttler to earn an Olympic medal. Through his journey, Sen has inspired many, demonstrating that Indian badminton holds a promising future on the global stage.
Historic Achievement in Indian Hockey
In hockey, India's men’s team has shown impressive resilience and strength, securing a spot in the semifinals by defeating Great Britain 4-2 in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Furthermore, they achieved this while playing with 10 men for over 40 minutes, a testament to their endurance and strategic gameplay. The team's unity and composure under pressure were evident as they overcame tough obstacles on their road to the semifinals. Fans around the country are hopeful as the hockey team aims for an Olympic triumph, a dream cherished for decades.
Table Tennis Showdown
Indian women’s table tennis players Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Kamath, made noteworthy performances, and are now gearing up to face Romania in the round of 16. The team's cohesion and consistent efforts have brought them this far, and their forthcoming match will test their skill and teamwork on the global stage. As they prepare, supporters are eager to see how they fare against formidable opponents and possibly make strides in this highly competitive sport.
Athletics Competitions Unfold
On the athletics front, all eyes are on Kiran Pahal and Avinash Sable. Kiran Pahal competes in the women’s 400m round 1, showcasing her training and dedication. Her journey through the rounds will be closely monitored by track enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Avinash Sable participates in the 3000m steeplechase, hoping to qualify for the final. Having broken several national records, Sable looks to add an Olympic achievement to his resume. Fans of track and field stay tuned for electrifying performances from both athletes.
Wrestling, Shooting, and Sailing Events
In wrestling, Nisha Dahiya headlines India's campaign in the women’s 68kg freestyle pre-quarters. Known for her aggressive style and technical skills, Dahiya is one to watch as she battles for medals. Shooting events, too, hold promise, with Maheshwari Chauhan and Anantjeet Singh Naruka participating in the skeet mixed team event, where precision and focus are key. Sailors Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan continue their respective campaigns in the men’s and women’s dinghy sailing events. Their efforts in navigating challenging waters exemplify resilience and adaptability.
Closing Ceremony and Support System
As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw closer to their conclusion, excitement builds around the closing ceremony, with ace shooter Manu Bhaker set to carry the Indian flag on August 11th. This gesture underscores Bhaker’s contributions and symbolises the aspirations of the Indian contingent. With 117 athletes representing India, bolstered by government-supported officials and support staff, the focus remains on catering to every athlete’s needs, ensuring their optimum performance. From meticulous planning to mental health support, the collaborative effort speaks volumes about the commitment to nurturing Olympic talent.
The culmination of these efforts is seen in the perseverance and achievements of athletes like Lakshya Sen, the hockey team, and participants across disciplines. As Day 10 progresses, the excitement and anticipation for India’s performances echo among fans and teammates alike, reinforcing the spirit of unity and competition that defines the Olympic Games.
Lakshya Sen gave everything he had. That second game wasn't even close, but you could see the fire in his eyes. He didn't just play-he fought. And honestly? That's more than most athletes ever show. India's gonna remember this moment even if the medal doesn't come. This isn't failure. This is foundation.
Oh please. 'Inspiring future'? He lost to Axelsen by 11 points in the second set. The same Axelsen who won gold in Tokyo. This isn't progress, it's just the same old narrative: 'Look how hard they tried!' Meanwhile, China and Japan are winning medals and we're crying over near-misses. Stop romanticizing defeat.
The real tragedy isn't Lakshya losing-it's that we celebrate athletes only when they're on the podium. Where was the media coverage when he was training in a dusty court in Bareilly? Where were the sponsors? Now that he's 'close', suddenly everyone's a fan. It's not inspiration. It's opportunism.
The hockey team just beat GB with 10 men for 40 minutes. That's not luck. That's discipline. That's the kind of grit you can't teach. This team didn't just make the semis-they rewrote what's possible for Indian hockey. We've waited 41 years. This isn't a dream anymore. It's happening.
For anyone wondering why the hockey team held up under pressure: their coach has been running 5am drills since 2019. No fancy tech, no PR teams-just sweat, repetition, and trust. The penalty shootout wasn't magic. It was muscle memory. And it's why they're still standing. This is what long-term investment looks like.
Lakshya Sen = 2024’s emotional support athlete 🥲😭👑. Meanwhile, the hockey team just turned a 40-minute 10-man survival horror game into a semifinal ticket. 🤯🔥 Who needs medals when you’ve got vibes? Also, why is everyone ignoring that Sreeja Akula just took down the world #7 in table tennis? 🏓💥 #HiddenGem
I just want to say… thank you… to the support staff… who worked 18-hour days… to ensure every athlete had hydration… mental health check-ins… and proper recovery protocols… because without them… none of this… would be possible…
The closing ceremony flag bearer is Manu Bhaker. That’s not just an honor-it’s a statement. She’s young, she’s fierce, she’s broken records, and she’s carried the weight of expectations without ever breaking. If this team is a mirror of India’s future, then we’re not just competing-we’re rising.