Indian men’s singles star Lakshya Sen put up a valiant fight in front of a passionate home crowd but saw his India Open 2026 campaign end in the quarter-finals after a gripping three-game battle. Playing at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, Sen left the court to a standing ovation despite suffering a narrow defeat in one of the tournament’s most intense matches.
A strong run into the last eight
Sen entered the quarter-finals on the back of an impressive round-of-16 victory over Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto. He controlled that match well, winning in straight games and raising hopes of a deep run for India’s top-ranked men’s singles player at the Super 750 event.
With several Indian contenders already eliminated, expectations rested heavily on Sen as he stepped onto the court backed by loud home support.
The quarter-final thriller
Facing Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-yi, Sen started brightly, dictating rallies and attacking the net to claim the opening game 21-17. His movement and shot selection lifted the crowd, which roared with every point he won.
However, Lin responded strongly in the second game, increasing the pace and forcing errors from Sen to take it 21-13. The decider proved to be a tense affair, with both players trading leads before Lin edged ahead late to close out the match 21-18, ending Sen’s hopes of a semi-final spot.
Reaction from Sen and the crowd
Although visibly disappointed, Sen acknowledged the crowd as he walked off the court, receiving a warm ovation for his effort. The Indian shuttler was seen applauding the fans, a gesture that reflected his appreciation for the support despite the heartbreak of a close loss.
Observers noted Sen’s composure after the match, with his body language suggesting pride in the fight he showed rather than frustration over the result.
What the loss means going forward
While the quarter-final exit was a setback, Sen’s performance underlined his ability to compete with top international opponents in high-pressure situations. Playing in front of a home crowd added emotional weight to the contest, making the defeat tougher to digest but also more meaningful.
Sen will now turn his focus to upcoming tournaments on the BWF circuit, carrying confidence from his performance and the backing of Indian fans who witnessed his determination firsthand.
