India’s top singles player hurt himself while diving during his intense match against Chou Tien Chen
In a setback to India’s chances against France in the Thomas Cup semifinal, Lakshya Sen will not feature due to an elbow injury sustained during his match against Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei.
Lakshya defeated Chou after a marathon 78-minute contest, saving two match points to give India the lead and momentum in the quarterfinals. India went on to beat Chinese Taipei 3-0 to advance to the semifinals.
“Lakshya Sen will not be participating in today’s semifinal tie against France in the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026. Lakshya sustained an impact to his elbow following an intense quarterfinal match that involved multiple dives,” said Badminton Association of India general secretary Sanjay Mishra.
He added that the decision to rest Lakshya was taken “after careful assessment by the medical team, as a precautionary measure and with a view to ensuring he is fully fit for the final, should the team qualify.”
“We remain optimistic about his recovery and look forward to seeing him back at his best soon,” he said.
Lakshya’s coach U Vimal Kumar said his “playing arm, particularly around the elbow, is swollen after his fall in the match against Chou Tien Chen.”
“He is also struggling with blisters on his feet. This is certainly a setback for India,” he added.
Vimal expressed hope that India can cope with the loss and win two singles matches.
As per the lineup, Ayush Shetty, who upset All England champion Lin Chun-Yi, will play the first singles against World No. 4 Christo Popov. Kidambi Srikanth will then take on France’s World No. 10 Alex Lanier, while World No. 35 H S Prannoy will face Toma Junior Popov, ranked 42, in the third singles.
This will be followed by two men’s doubles matches. India’s M R Arjun and Leo Rolly Carnando will face Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, before Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty take on the Popov brothers in the final match of the tie.
In Lakshya’s absence, much will depend on the result of the first singles. Ayush has been in impressive form, and an upset win could significantly boost India’s chances.
France is in sensational form, having knocked out two powerhouses of the sport, Indonesia and Japan. The 2022 champions India, too, are riding momentum after their strong win over Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals. The other semifinal will be played between China and Denmark.
EOM
