Lakshya Sen Rides Winning Momentum, Sets Sights on World Tour Finals

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen is targeting a strong finish to the 2026 season as he looks to maintain his winning momentum and secure a place in the BWF World Tour Finals following his title-winning performance at the Hylo Open.

The 25-year-old shuttler said the victory had provided a timely confidence boost after a challenging few months affected by injury concerns and a demanding international travel schedule.

"I'm happy with the way I played in Hylo. Winning a tournament after the Australian Open feels really good, and I want to carry this momentum forward," Sen said.

The 2021 World Championships bronze medallist climbed eight places to enter the top 10 of the BWF World Tour Rankings. However, he needs to finish among the top eight to qualify for the season-ending World Tour Finals. Sen said the next two tournaments would be crucial in his qualification campaign. He will spend a few days at home before travelling to Japan and Hong Kong for upcoming competitions.

Reflecting on his recent struggles, Sen said recurring minor injuries had affected his consistency over the past two to three months. Although he reached the All England Championships final earlier this season, subsequent fitness issues prevented him from performing at his best. He also skipped the French Open after experiencing shoulder pain during the Denmark Open.

Sen said he had no major injury concerns at present and was taking a more cautious approach to managing his workload.

He also credited increased match practice for helping him regain fitness and confidence. After playing several tournaments in preparation for the Asian Games, he felt he needed more competitive exposure to improve his rhythm. At the Hylo Open, he played five matches, with his performance improving as the tournament progressed.

Although his campaigns at the World Championships in India and the Asian Games did not produce the results he wanted, Sen said he was pleased to have returned to winning ways.

With a packed international calendar ahead, the Indian shuttler said his primary priorities were to remain fit, avoid injuries and maintain consistency while competing for major titles.

"I want to continue this momentum, stay healthy and enjoy my routine, both on and off the court," he said.