"Prakash Sir Was Strict, Next Time...": PM Narendra Modi To Lakshya Sen At Olympic Meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and felicitated India's Paris Olympics athletes on Independence Day at his residence on Thursday. During the meet, PM Modi interacted with several athletes, including star shuttler Lakshya Sen. Lakshya, who made his Olympics debut in Paris, lost the bronze medal match to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in three games. After Lakshya failed to win a medal, Prakash Padukone, head coach of Indian badminton contingent, was critical of the shuttlers performance at the Paris Olympics, saying that they need to step up and take the responsibility.

However, during the light-hearted chat with PM Modi, Lakshya revealed that coach Prakash (Padukone) took his phone during his matches to help him stay focused. 

"Prakash Sir had taken away my phone during the matches, and said you won't get it until the matches are over," Lakshya told PM Modi.

On a lighter note, PM Modi told Lakshya: "Prakash (Padukone) sir was so disciplined and strict, will send him to the next Olympics as well."

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian contingent that participated in #ParisOlympics2024, at his residence.

He said, "... It is an honour to have you all here... PR Sreejesh proved why he is known as 'The Wall'. Everyone who won a medal and even those who lost by... pic.twitter.com/8XMThnk67F

Sen, made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in men's badminton at the Olympics. He topped his group with victories over top players like Indonesia's Jonatan Christie and compatriot HS Prannoy in the round of 16.

He also stunned Chou Tien-chen in the quarterfinals. But he fell short of bagging his maiden Olympics medal after losing to world no. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semifinal.

Reflecting on the